The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's tour of India and Bhutan
Published
As previously announced, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit India and Bhutan in April 2016.
Their Royal Highnesses arrive in India on Sunday 10th April, before travelling to Bhutan on Thursday 14th April. The Royal Tour concludes back in India on Saturday 16th April.
The visit is being undertaken at the request of Her Majesty's Government. This will be the first time Their Royal Highnesses have visited either country.
In India, The Duke and Duchess will see a variety of aspects of contemporary Indian life, focusing on young people, sport, entrepreneurship, Indian efforts to relieve urban poverty, the creative arts, and rural life. Their Royal Highnesses will begin their visit in the creative and business hub of Mumbai. They will then travel to the capital New Delhi, which is the seat of history and politics in the world's largest democracy. In Kaziranga National Park, The Duke and Duchess will experience the rich variety of wildlife and also pay tribute to the rural traditions of the communities who live around the park.
In Bhutan, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very much looking forward to meeting Their Majesties The King and Queen of Bhutan, and continuing the relationship between their two families. They will also have the opportunity to learn more about the heritage and culture of this beautiful mountain kingdom and its people.
The Duke and Duchess will conclude their tour back in India at the UNESCO World Heritage site the Taj Mahal on 16th April, allowing them the chance to thank the people of India for their hospitality by visiting their most iconic landmark.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: "The Duke and Duchess are very much looking forward to their tours of India and Bhutan. Their visit to India will be an introduction to a country that they plan to build an enduring relationship with. They will pay tribute to India's proud history, but also are keen to understand the hopes and aspirations of young Indian people and the major role they will play in shaping the 21st century.
"Their visit to Bhutan will allow them to continue a relationship between two Royal Families by meeting The King and Queen. The Duke and Duchess have heard many wonderful things about the country and are grateful to have this opportunity to get to know the Bhutanese people.
"This tour, coming shortly before The Queen's 90th birthday, will also allow The Duke and Duchess to pay tribute to Her Majesty's huge contribution to diplomacy in Britain and the Commonwealth."
In India, The Duke and Duchess will visit:
- Mumbai (10/11th April)
- New Delhi (11/12th April)
- Kaziranga (12/13th April)
- Agra (16th April)
In Bhutan, The Duke and Duchess will visit:
- Thimphu (14/15th April)
A full itinerary will be published closer to the date of the visit, in the usual way.
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