The tree that Prince Philip planted

Picture and text by Shelton Hettiarachchi

The demise of Britain's Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth, has left traces of nostalgia in Nuwara Eliya, widely known as Little England.

The late prince visited Nuwara Eliya in 1954, and mingled with the people during the royal couple's visit to Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, a dominion within the British Commonwealth. To mark the visit, the prince planted a tree in Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya.

Visitors to the park can see the tree in full blossom, spreading the message of friendship and cooperation for 67 years, although the tree planted by Queen Elizabeth is not there anymore.