It is being described as an “ambitious” visit by the world media: when Prince William and Kate visit India this Sunday, 11 April 2016, this will be their most ambitious visit till date. Here’s what else we know about the upcoming visit of British Royalty to India –
It’s a seven day tour
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are visiting India and Bhutan for week. This trip will be taken without their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. It is likely that the royal couple will watch a cricket match, visit Raj Ghat and India Gate as well. According to some sources there is also a slum visit to meet local slum kids, planned for the Royals.
They will stay at the Taj Mahal Hotel
The royal couple is slated to say at the hotel that was one of the main targets in the 26/11 terror attacks. They Presidential Suite features stunning interiors, a private spa and of course great views.
They will rub shoulders with Indian ‘Royalty’
They will attend a glitzy fund raiser at the Taj Mahal hotel where stars such as Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar and many more will be in attendance.
They will be having dinner with the PM
Though our film and cricket stars are deemed royalty in Indian hearts and minds, it is Indian politicians that are the real modern royalty in India. So it follows that William and Kate will also be dining with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A visit to Kaziranga National Park
In furtherance of the conversation causes close to the Prince’s heart, the royal couple will also visit Kaziranga National Park in Assam. They will also visit the park’s discovery centre which was built by the charitable organisation founded by Mark Shand, brother of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
Agra is also on the itinerary
After a visit to Bhutan, the royal couple will visit the Taj Mahal in Agra; reprising the visit by Lady Diana, in 1993; a visit that had resulted in a then media frenzy. Prince William has been reported as having said that he feels “incredibly lucky” that he will be able to see a place where his mother’s memory is still treasured.
It remains to be seen whether the visit will amount to anything more concrete than a bunch of photo ops featuring royalty; Indian and English.
Author – Reena Daruwalla
