The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge touched down on an RAF Voyager plane in Islamabad this evening, on what has been described as the most “complex and challenging” royal tour to date, with highest level of security accorded to a royal tour since The Queen’s visit to Ireland.
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The couple were given a red carpet reception at the airport befitting their roles as senior members of the Royal Family.
A group of dignitaries was on hand to greet their arrival and the Duchess was presented with a bouquet by two children dressed in traditional outfits.
More than 1,000 police officers have been deployed to ensure the couple’s safety throughout their stay due to the ongoing threat of militant terrorism.
Whilst it is known that the Royals are keen to meet as many Pakistanis as possible and that the engagements will involve school children, sports stars, cultural figures and politicians, details of their engagements will be kept under wraps and will only be released by the palace on the day for security reasons.
We do know that the couple will travel around 700 miles during the tour and they will see Islamabad, Lahore, the Himalayas and the more volatile border region in the West.They will also be shown Pakistan’s border region with Afghanistan which is home to a number of fighters loyal to al-Qa’ida.
Following their official welcome, William and Kate headed to the High Commissioner’s residence in Islamabad which is set to be their base for the week.
William’s parents have both visited the country, with The Prince of Wales conducting the last royal tour there with The Duchess of Cornwall in 2006.
This trip will also likely echo the visits made by Diana, Princess of Wales, who visited Pakistan several times in the nineties, with Kate expected to follow the traditions of modest dress as Diana did in her visits. You can read more about her first tour look here.
William and Kate return to the UK at the end of the week.
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1 comment
A bless trip to Pakistan all the Pakistan workers of the Cuco family send the best wishes of success