Colombo, Jan 11 (newsin.asia) – Britain’s Royal Highness, The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and Her Royal Highness, The Countess of Wessex, will arrive in Sri Lanka at the end of this month to attend the 70th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence on Feb 4, the British High Commission in Colombo said in a statement Thursday.

The Royal couple will represent Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at the anniversary celebrations.

The Earl and Countess will travel to Colombo and other parts of Sri Lanka, celebrating the long-standing friendship between the two countries and shared interest in the Commonwealth, youth development and education, the High Commission said.

Their Royal Highnesses will meet participants in ‘The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award’ and young Sri Lankans selected as Queen’s Young Leaders, an initiative to recognise and celebrate exceptional young people across the Commonwealth.

“As the United Kingdom looks forward to hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April 2018, Their Royal Highnesses’ visit will highlight our countries’ shared ambition to ensure the Commonwealth is well-placed to help deliver a bright future for its Members’ citizens,” the High Commission said.

His Royal Highness The Prince Edward is the youngest child of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. The Earl and Countess support Her Majesty in her official duties and undertake many public engagements each year in support of a wide range of charities and non-governmental organisations.