HRH The Princess Royal Supports Scotland-Malawi Links

On Tuesday, contributors to the Scotland Malawi Partnership (SMP) Anthu Pamodzi photographic exhibition were honoured by the presence of SMP Honorary Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who attended the exhibition at Edinburgh City Chambers as part of celebrations marking the Partnership’s 20th anniversary.

Hosted by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Councillor Robert Aldridge, The Princess Royal’s visit marked the 20th anniversary of the Scotland Malawi Partnership (SMP) which supports, connects and represents the many schools, universities, churches and charities throughout Scotland which have partnerships with Malawi. Formerly Nyasaland, before gaining independence in 1964, Malawi's ties with Scotland date back over 160 years to the time of medic, missionary and abolitionist, Dr David Livingstone.

Honorary Patron of the SMP, Her Royal Highness spoke with its members who have contributed photographs to a touring exhibition showcasing projects in areas including Health, Education, Clean Water, Energy and Sustainable Livelihoods.

The Princess Royal was presented by the SMP’s Senior Vice-Chair, Susan Dalgety with a 20th anniversary book about the work of the partnership, cut a 20th birthday cake and received a posy of flowers from Iona (17) of George Watson’s College – one of many Scottish Schools with an active Malawi partnership.

SMP Chair, Prof Jeremy Bagg commented:
“Her Royal Highness has been involved with the Scotland Malawi Partnership since its inception in 2005 and, as our Honorary Patron, takes a great interest in these people-to-people partnerships. Individuals in all walks of life throughout Scotland are involved in a broad spectrum of projects and everyone present was most encouraged by The Princess’s support.”

Entitled Anthu Pamodzi, meaning ‘People Together’ (in the Malawian language of Chichewa), the first of the SMP’s exhibitions encouraging local communities to celebrate their Malawi links was held in Killearn in September 2025, and following the Edinburgh event, will go on to Innerleithen in the Borders, Inverurie in Aberdeenshire and multiple venues.