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Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie’s Royal Wit Lights Up Tram Ride in Lisbon [Photos]

Edward and Sophie marked the first day of their Lisbon visit in high spirits, not only meeting the mayor but also exploring the city by tram.

Prince Edward and his wife, Duchess Sophie, marked the first day of their Lisbon visit in high spirits, not only meeting the mayor but also indulging in some light-hearted moments while exploring the city by tram. The couple's royal tour of Portugal coincides with the 640th anniversary of the Treaty of Windsor, the world's oldest diplomatic alliance still in force, and aims to celebrate the enduring relationship between the two nations. During their three-day visit, the couple also aims to cover engagements close to their heart, like youth development, women empowerment, and peace and security, both in Lisbon and Porto.

Traveling alongside the royal couple is HELLO!’s Tracy Schaverien, who was quick to report on the highlights of the Duke and Duchess’s opening day in Lisbon. The couple was welcomed outside the city's renowned Estrela Garden by Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas and a group of off-duty firefighters who were marking Portugal’s National Day of Children. The couple, clearly in high spirits, then boarded a vintage carriage for a scenic 10-minute ride through the city’s picturesque streets, chatting warmly with the driver along the way.

Detailing more about their day, Schaverien added, "I joined Prince Edward and Sophie as they hopped on the tram outside the city’s famous Estrela Garden, where they were greeted by the mayor, Carlos Moedas, as well as some off-duty firefighters, who were marking the country’s National Day of Children." She continued, "The couple was in high spirits as they climbed inside the carriage and took a seat for their 10-minute ride, then chatted to the driver before getting off. Crossing the road as another tram drove past, Sophie stopped and said, "I'm not going to argue with a tram." 

Beyond the tram outing, the Duke and Duchess also spent part of their first day celebrating the centuries-old ties between Britain and Portugal. After arriving in Lisbon, the couple first visited the Portuguese National Archive to open the Treaty of Windsor exhibition, commemorating the 640th anniversary of the historic alliance between the two nations. During the visit, Edward and Sophie unveiled the original English and Portuguese copies of the treaty, displayed side by side for the first time since 1386. As they examined the documents and their wax seals, Edward quipped, "You look after your documents better than we do," while Sophie remarked, "The writing is so small."

The royal couple also learned more about Portugal's King Joao and England's Philippa of Lancaster, whose marriage further strengthened Anglo-Portuguese relations more than six centuries ago. Reflecting on the long-standing friendship between the two countries, Edward recalled Portugal's support following the 1992 Windsor Castle fire, telling his hosts, “It was Portugal that wanted to be involved in the restoration of that, and we're always very grateful for that offer, and, and if you ever go into the Crimson Room, then all the tassel work in there, you are very much at the heart of Windsor Castle as well, and we thank you.”