Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh kick off Portugal trip as they tour Lisbon in historic tram
Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, touched down in Lisbon today to commence a three-day official visit to Portugal.
The royal couple's first engagement saw them inaugurate the Treaty of Windsor Exhibition at the Portuguese National Archive, a landmark occasion commemorating 640 years of diplomatic relations between Britain and Portugal.
This exhibition brings together the original English and Portuguese copies of the historic treaty, displayed alongside one another for the first time since 1386.
It holds profound significance for both nations, marking the world's oldest diplomatic alliance still in force today.
Examining the centuries-old documents, which include ten wax seals, the Duke quipped: "You look after your documents better than we do."
The Duchess remarked upon the remarkably fine script, noting: "The writing is so small."
Just one year following the treaty's signing, Portugal's King João married Philippa of Lancaster, England's princess who became his queen. This royal union further strengthened Anglo-Portuguese bonds.
Their children, known as the "Illustrious Generation", would prove instrumental in establishing Portugal's global prominence, most notably Henry the Navigator, who pioneered the nation's maritime exploration.
Following the exhibition opening, the couple embarked upon a delightful journey aboard one of Lisbon's iconic historic trams.
Setting off from the renowned Estrela Garden, the Duke and Duchess were welcomed by Lisbon's mayor, Carlos Moedas, along with off-duty firefighters celebrating Portugal's National Day of Children.
The pair appeared in excellent spirits as they settled into the carriage for their ten-minute excursion through the capital's streets, taking time to converse with the driver before disembarking.
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As another tram passed whilst crossing the road, the Duchess demonstrated her characteristic wit, declaring: "I'm not going to mess with a tram."
For the exhibition opening, the 61-year-old Duchess opted for a striking ensemble perfectly suited to the Portuguese climate.
She selected a flowing white silk tea dress by Suzannah London, known as the 'Veronique', featuring an empire waist and elegant floor-length bias-cut skirt adorned with a soft green clover print.
The 1930s-inspired gown, created using artwork by French artist Rachel Levy and printed by an Italian family mill, was complemented by gold floral earrings and a white handbag.
The remainder of the tour will see Their Royal Highnesses visit historic sites reflecting shared UK-Portugal heritage, whilst meeting students and community organisations in Porto.
There, they will undertake engagements supporting causes including youth opportunity, sports inclusion and Women, Peace and Security.
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