New Delhi: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will begin their seven day tour of India and Bhutan on Sunday 10 April, in Mumbai.
Announced during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UK late last year, this tour builds on the strong bonds between the two countries.
While in India they will experience the four passions which unite the country – cricket, Bollywood, politics and family.
On Sunday they will head to the Oval Maidan to watch and take part in a cricket match between beneficiaries and representatives of three charities based in Mumbai – Magic Bus, Doorstep, and India’s Childline.
On Sunday evening, they will attend a glittering reception and dinner alongside some of the biggest names in business and Bollywood, to celebrate Mumbai’s film and creative industries. The reception is being hosted by The British High Commission in partnership with The British Asian Trust, of which The Prince of Wales is founder and President.
On Monday, they will make their way to the capital, Delhi, where they will pay respect to India’s military contributions, honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi, and also to get to know the men and women who lead the country in government and politics.
British High Commissioner to India, Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG, said: “The Duke and Duchess are most excited about their first visit to India, and we hope this visit will mark the start of a long friendship between them and this magnificent and diverse country.
“They are embarking on a packed, varied and exciting programme where they will gain an understanding of modern India – a vibrant, entrepreneurial, aspirational nation that faces both its challenges and huge opportunities with confidence.
“This will be the one of the most ambitious tours Their Royal Highnesses have ever undertaken and promises to be the most colourful tour to date. It will cover five distinct locations over six days across four regions of India and a visit to the remote and beautiful Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.”
Following their time in Delhi, The Duke and Duchess will make their way to Kazaringa National Park where they will find out more about the role of conservation in the lives of rural people there. Their Royal Highnesses are interested to see how communities manage the conflicts that arise when humans and wild animals live in close proximity. They will also meet park rangers inside Kaziranga, to discuss how the park protects its animal populations from poachers as demand, in other parts of Asia, for rhino horns continues to rise.
They will then fly to Bhutan to learn about this beautiful, mountainous country that has famously prioritised the happiness of its people above all other national goals. Their Royal Highnesses are honoured to have the opportunity to meet with Their Majesties The King and Queen of Bhutan, a couple they share similarities with being of the same generation.
Finally, The Duke and Duchess will finish their tour at one of the world’s most romantic and iconic sites – The Taj Mahal. The Duke feels incredibly lucky to visit a place where his mother’s memory is kept alive by so many who travel there. Twenty four years on from her visit to the Taj, The Duke and The Duchess are looking forward to seeing this beautiful place for themselves and creating some new memories as they say thank you to the people of India at the conclusion of their tour. (ANI)