HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE DUKE OF KENT, ON A VISIT IN BULGARIA AT THE INVITATION OF PRESIDENT PLEVNELIEV

His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, is on a visit in Bulgaria between 7^th and 9^th April, at the invitation of Bulgaria’s President Rosen Plevneliev. HRH Prince Edward is the Chairman of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and his visit is on the occasion of 100^th anniversary of the start of the First World War.

The centenary of the First World War will also be an occasion to place an emphasis on the reconciliation of the European countries and their future together in a united Europe.

On 7^th April, Prince Edward will lay a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier and will have a meeting with President Rosen Plevneliev at the President’s Office on 2 Dondukov bulevard.

On 8th April, the Bulgarian Head of state and HRH Prince Edward will attend a commemoration ceremony at Sofia Central Cemetery to honour those who died in line of duty during the WW1.

The Duke of Kent will meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kristiyan Vigenin. During his visit, Prince Edward will host a reception for the British business delegation and their Bulgarian partners. He will also visit the Boyana Church (added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979) and the National Museum of History in the capital city Sofia.

On 9th of April, Prince Edward will attend a commemoration ceremony at the military cemetery in Plovdiv.

The Duke of Kent was born in 1935. He is the son of Prince George, the fourth son of King George V. His mother is the late Princess Marina, the daughter of Prince Nicolas of Greece.

The Duke of Kent is a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.

In 1961 he married Katharine Worsley. They have three children – George, Earl of St. Andrews, Lady Helen Taylor and lord Nicholas Windsor. The Duke and Duchess of Kent carry out a number of royal duties. They both keep close relations with many charity and professional organizations.