Ahead of their upcoming tour to Pakistan, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met with His Highness The Aga Khan for a reception yesterday.
Known to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed, the Aga Khan, Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini, is not only a spiritual leader but a noted philanthropist as well. Additionally, he is the 49th hereditary imam out of the world’s 20 million Shia Ismaili Muslims. At the tireless age of 82, he is known for his steadfast and resolute work that he continues to perform throughout the community.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit The Aga Khan Centre ahead of their Tour to Pakistan in King’s Cross, London, UK, on the 2nd October 2019. Picture by James Whatling
Hosted at the Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross, the royal couple attended an event that focused on modern Pakistani culture. The Aga Khan Centre is the central base for the Aga Khan Foundation, a nonprofit organisation that is committed to finding and providing solutions for third-world countries that are dealing with a number of serious matters. These issues range from illiteracy and poverty, to hunger and ill-health.
On hand to receive Prince William and Catherine were a number of leaders from the Pakistani community as well as individuals from both the British and Pakistani business sectors. An eclectic group representing the arts was also present, including DJ and producer Naughty Boy, tabla virtuoso Shahbaz Hussain, flute maestro Muhammad Norman and Maha Malik from Serious. Serious produced an exceptional collaboration between Shahbaz Hussain and Muhammah Noman to the delight of the royal couple.
While discussing her upcoming trip to Pakistan, The Duchess of Cambridge shared that she was very excited about trying the different local foods of the country.
Catherine said that she often likes to make curry for her family while at home and she usually prepares a spicy version for the adults and a cooler one for the children. Although the Duchess stated that “Charlotte is pretty good with heat.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge paid a visit to The Aga Khan Centre in London.William and Kate met Muslim spiritual leader the Aga Khan outside the centre, before heading inside to learn about modern Pakistani culture.#DukeofSussex #DuchessofSussex #RoyalTourPakistan pic.twitter.com/NvdTRp5nCZ
— The Royal Family Channel (@RoyalFamilyITNP) October 2, 2019
It has been around 13 years since a royal tour has come to Pakistan. The last to visit were The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall in 2006. Prince William’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales came to the country back in February 1996, about 18 months before her death.
Excitement for the trip is building with Pakistan’s ambassador to Britain Nafees Zakaria tweeting: “Upcoming Royal visit reflects the importance UK attaches to Pakistan. Both countries enjoy historical links and wish to strengthen them further.”
The Cambridges will travel to Pakistan from 14th to 18th October.
2 comments
Pakistan deserve the visit. I praye to this visit clean all history between UK and Pakistan God bless the trip with prison erity
Sorry Prosperity and abundance and the end of terrorism