Royal Tour 2016: All the pictures from India and Bhutan


April 11, 2016
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Royal Tour - day 1

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Mumbai to kick off their week-long tour of India and Bhutan on Sunday. The couple's British Airways flight touched down at Mumbai airport at around 11am local time.

Kate looked stylish in a bespoke paisley patterned peplum dress by Alexander McQueen with Gianvito Rossi cream heels.

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Upon their arrival, they paid tribute to those who died in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, and laid a wreath of white flowers at the hotel's memorial.

They included a note on the wreath signed by both William and Kate which read: "In memory of those who lost their lives and those injured in the senseless atrocities at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. William, Catherine."

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For her second engagement, the Duchess showed off her sporty side once again as she played a match of cricket with legend cricketer Sachin Tendulkar at the Oval Maidan cricket ground.

During the fun event, Kate was pictured running around cones while playing games with the children.

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The Duchess of Cambridge wore a long pink and green floaty dress by Mumbai designer Anita Dongre, along with a pair of wedges.

An aide revealed that the Duchess was keen to change into the dress, saying: "She wanted to wear a local designer at the earliest possible opportunity."

Also revealing that the choice of dress was "a tribute to Mumbai's wonderful design talent".

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The royals then visited the Banganga slums in Mumbai where they chatted to residents who revealed that they had never been visited by celebrities or politicians before.

Prince William challenged Bollywood dancer Siddesh Tirloskar, who grew up in the slums and went to Dance Academy with the help of charity SMILE, to a hip hop dance, saying: "Let's see some of your breakdancing moves," then laughed after Kate jokily nudged him to dance, saying: "No, no. I think Siddesh has done a very hard performance, especially in flip flops. Very nice to meet you. Your dancing is very good."

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William and Kate were in high spirits throughout the day despite their nine-hour flight from London to Mumbai.

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The couple went on to visit the Banganga Water Tank in Mumbai where they were greeted by children dancing and playing lezim steel drums in honour of their arrival. The couple were presented with white, orange and pink garlands and a tika traditional welcome spot on their foreheads before placing floral tributes into the water as an offering.

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William and Kate then embarked on a surprise open top bus tour of Mumbai, joining the children from urban slums.

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For their last event of the day, Prince William and Kate were the picture of elegance as they attended a glittering Bollywood gala held in their honour in Mumbai.

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As thoughtful as ever, Kate had chosen a sari-inspired look that gave a nod to her host’s country. Designed by her favourite designer Jenny Packham, the royal blue floor-length evening gown featured intricate beading that had been carried out in India, as well as a matching cape.

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The pretty brunette wore her hair up in a chic updo, giving centre stage to a stunning pair of royal blue stone earrings by Indian jeweller Amrapali.

A delicate matching blue clutch completed the showstopping look for the Duchess's first night of their royal tour of India.

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Speaking to Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, Kate admitted she was anxious about leaving Prince George and Princess Charlotte at home.

"She said she loves being here and the people are very welcoming, but she was worried she may miss her children," Madhuri told reporters at the evening do.

Richard Hawkes, CEO British Asian Trust said: "It was an amazing evening for the British Asian Trust and our partner organisations, three local charities working with disadvantaged children. The Duke and Duchess were brilliant - engaging with everyone and clearly excited to be in India and doing something to support children. The money raised will enable the British Asian Trust to continue making a massive difference in India."

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The morning after the night before it was revealed that the royal couple had met their number one fan – Mr Boman Kohinoor, a 93-year-old restaurant owner from Mumbai.

Mr Kohinoor became the star of a social media campaign after he expressed his desire to meet the royals. The misspelt hashtag "#WillKatMeetMe" was used on Twitter.

William and Kate were told about the campaign and invited Mr Kohinoor to their hotel for a private meeting.

A spokesperson for Kensington Palace said: "Their Royal Highnesses heard about his lovely comments to the press and his social media campaign about his hopes to meet them upon landing on Sunday.

"They would have loved to visit his restaurant, but with time tight, staff from The British Deputy High Commission went to visit him in person to invite him to the Taj to say hello before last night's gala. They spent five minutes chatting and laughing and Their Royal Highnesses were very grateful for his enthusiasm and warmth."

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Royal Tour - day 2

William and Kate visited The Social – a café and collaborative work space – where they met with some of the city's budding business talent and were given a chance to try out some of their new ideas. At one stand, the couple took turns to put on a blindfold and learnt how to type in Braille - very sweetly, they typed the word "George".

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Prince William was given the chance to show off his passion for cars and racing when he was invited to step into a Formula E car. Clearly thrilled by the prospect, William sat in a racing car simulator, placing his hands on the wheel and pretending to steer.

The Prince impressed onlookers, grinning as he "completed" the Buddh International circuit in Delhi, managing a lap time of two minutes six seconds.

"It's a good lap time," said technician Isaias Sousa Valero. "He is a really nice driver and he could come and drive for us anytime with a bit more training."

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For their first engagement in Delhi the couple headed to India Gate – a 42m high sandstone structure that is considered the country's main war memorial – to lay a wreath of marigolds at the memorial to show their respects to the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives while fighting for the British Army during WWI.

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Following their solemn engagement the Duke and Duchess travelled to Gandhi Smriti. Literally meaning 'Gandhi memory', the museum is located in Old Birla House, where Mahatma Gandhi, India's founding father, spent the last few years of his life.

The couple were given a private tour of the museum and shown a giant bronze statue of Gandhi with two children.

William and Kate then retraced Gandhi's final footsteps from his humble bedroom to the spot in the garden where he was assassinated in 1948. Going barefoot, the Duke and Duchess also saw the prayer hall where Gandhi used to address his followers.

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For the last engagement of day 2, William and Kate stepped out for a garden party in Delhi to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday.

Kate impressed fashion fans yet again with another Indian-inspired outfit, this time a stylish Alice Temperley crop top and skirt ensemble.

The black and white outfit, titled Delphia, featured opulent embroidery motifs of Indian Chintz and lattice. The top costs £1,995 while the skirt has a price tag of £1,995.

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The couple then had the honour of cutting the Queen's birthday cake, but not before teasing each other about who would take the sword.

William also gave a speech in which he praised his grandmother, and said that his children Prince George and Princess Charlotte are "lucky" to have such a "wonderful role model".

"I am incredibly lucky to have my grandmother in my life," he said. "As she turns 90, she is a remarkably energetic and dedicated guiding force for her family.

"And I am so glad that my children are having the chance to get to know the Queen. George and Charlotte, too, will discover how lucky they are to have such a wonderful great-grandmother – a role model for the rest of their lives."

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Royal Tour - day 3

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge kicked off day 3 of their royal tour by meeting a group of vulnerable young people in New Delhi.

Prince William and Kate learned about the work carried out by charity Saalam Baalak, which provides care and protection to street and working children in Delhi and the surrounding areas

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The charity's director Sanjay Roy told the couple about the charity's work, explaining: "We look after around 7,000 kids a year, but every day around 40 to 50 new children arrive at the station. They often have to deal with trauma, learning difficulties, ADHD, and we have special programmes to help them with that."

A concerned Prince William asked: "What can we do to help?"

Mr Sanjay replied: "Spread the word. People think of them as street kids, beggars, thieves, but they are just children. They deserve an education, future and a life. They have a right to a childhood."

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The Duchess turned heads with the elegant updo she chose for the occasion.

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For their second engagement of the day, William and Kate met the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The elegant royal chose a feminine but modern design in a beautiful jade green by one of her favourite designers, Alice Temperley, for the event. She completed her look with a pair of nude heels and her LK Bennett 'Natalie' straw clutch bag.

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Many fans had been wondering who had designed Kate's latest dress and the mystery was finally solved later in the day!

The long-sleeved floral-printed maxi dress in question is from budget brand Glamorous and costs £50.

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The royal couple arrived in Assam on Tuesday afternoon, where they were given a warm ceremonial welcome and greeted with bouquets of flowers.

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William and Kate had the chance to relax and settle down around a campfire, where they chatted and mingled with locals. They were treated to dance and musical performances – a colourful and very fun introduction to rural life.

As their visit coincides with the Bohag Bihu harvest festival, which marks the beginning of Assamese New Year, the royals were also given an insight into how the locals celebrate.

The couple were particularly impressed by the dancing of a three-year-old boy and sought him out to meet him after the performance. "You were very energetic," William told the youngster, before adding: "He knows his dancing very well."

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Royal Tour - day 4

It was an early start for the royal couple on day four of their royal tour, as they headed off on safari at Karizanga National Park.

The park is a World Heritage Site and a wildlife conservation area of global importance, home to elephants, water buffalo, the endangered swamp deer, tigers, and two-thirds of the world population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses.

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The couple enjoyed an open-air Jeep ride around the National Park, where they caught sight of rhinos and baby elephants. The final 30 minutes of the trip offered some private time for William and Kate, as they were left to finish their journey without the media and just a few protection officers.

Then Kate - a keen and talented photographer - decided to take out her Canon DSLR camera to capture some of her own photos.

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The Duchess admitted to missing Prince George and Princess Charlotte during the couple's visit to Panbari village, which sits on the border of Kaziranga National Park. While talking to the village elders, William and Kate joked that George was "too naughty" to join them on their royal tour, but promised to bring along their children on their next visit to India.

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Kate once again championed the British high street for her visit to the village, wearing a Topshop midi dress and Accessorize earrings.

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On their next engagement of the day, the couple visited the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation, where they had the opportunity to feed baby elephants and rhinos.

Vernon Menon, chief executive officer of the Wildlife Trust of India, said the couple were "thrilled" at the opportunity to get so close to the animals.

"They were absolutely thrilled and loved being with the animals," he said. "The Duchess loved the baby rhino particularly. The Duke said if he could he would have spent the whole day there."

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Royal Tour - day 5

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Bhutan for the start of a two day visit to the remote mountain kingdom on Thursday morning. The couple touched down at Paro International Airport where they were greeted by the King's half-sister, Princess Chimi, and her husband.

For the occasion Kate wore a coat dress by Emilia Wickstead which she previously wore in 2012.

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Later in the afternoon, William and Kate took part in a traditional chipdrel welcome procession at Tashichho Dzong, in Thimphu, and were given an official welcome by the country's king and queen.

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Kate, pictured with Bhutan's Queen Jetsun Pena, looked typically stunning in a Paul & Joe top paired with a skirt made from material woven and sourced in Bhutan. It was woven by local weaver Kelzan Wangmo.

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Following the official welcome, Kate had an attempt at Bhutan's national sport after watching a competitive archery game – and looked highly amused as her arrow appeared to miss the target.

The Duchess was assisted by her husband Prince William, who demonstrated how she should shoot the arrow as she took her aim. He joined in the applause when Kate aimed her bow and arrow at the target, and they both appeared amused as her bow veered off course.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

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The couple rounded off their day of engagements in Bhutan with a private dinner with the King of Bhutan.

Kate kept it casual in a floaty maxidress from Tory Burch, an American designer. The gown is a classic column shape and embroidered with jewel-toned flowers and beading.

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Royal Tour - day 6

Friday was an early start for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they set off on a challenging six-hour trek in Bhutan to the Tiger's Nest monastery.

The monastery, which dates back to 1692, is located close to the cave where Guru Padmasambhava – who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan – is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks and three days in the eighth century.

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Stopping halfway to see their finishing point in the distance, William and Kate barely appeared to have broken a sweat.

"Halfway, let's do it, let's go on," said William as they carried on. The couple paused again later on at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Tiger's Nest, before tackling the final 1,000 steps.

William looked slightly more flushed than his wife and wiping sweat off his brow, he laughed saying, "so far, so good" while also joking that the trek was "easy".

Kate, who is naturally sporty, looked more than ready to take on the challenge. The Duchess wore jeans, a white shirt and a dark brown leather waistcoat designed by one of her favourite outdoor British brands Really Wild, which she has worn in the past.

She completed her outfit with her trusty Penelope Chilver riding boots, another item she has owned for some time.

Despite the difficult trek, not a hair was out of place for the Duchess, who topped off her look with black Ray Bans.

During the gruelling trek, a very relaxed Prince William and Kate put on a rare display of public affection. The couple, who are usually pictured in more formal stances, couldn't help show their love for one another.

The moment that William and Kate held hands as they ascended the mountain together was captured on camera – endearing the couple to royal fans even more.

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Later in the evening, all eyes were on Kate as she and William stepped out for the UK Bhutan Reception at the Taj Tashi Hotel.

The royal was sporting a poppy-printed, elegant silk chiffon gown from Beulah. While the dress was beautiful and a great choice for the stunning Duchess, careful thought had also gone into the outfit choice – the poppy print was a nod to Bhutan, as it is their national flower.

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Royal Tour - day 7

On Saturday morning, the couple departed from Bhutan to embark on their final part of the tour, a visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, India.

Prince William and Kate were bid farewell at Paro International Airport by the Governor of Paro, Chenko Tshering and education minister, Norbu Wangchuk, who also greeted the couple on their arrival to the remote mountain kingdom.

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Some 24 years after Diana, Princess of Wales visited the Taj Mahal – one of the most famous symbols of India – Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge followed in the Princess's footsteps.

There were doubts whether William and Kate would recreate the same pose as Diana, who was famously pictured sitting on a bench outside the sacred monument in 1992.

However, keen to honour his mother and make his own special memories, William happily sat in the same spot as Diana, alongside his wife Kate.

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Kate wowed in a white and blue printed dress by Naeem Khan, an Indian-American designer. The design was from his 2015 Resort collection.

She topped off the look with her trusty nude heels and earrings that she had purchased the previous day during her trek in Bhutan.

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The couple were clearly struck by the beauty of the sacred mausoleum, also known as the "monument of love".

As they emerged from their private tour on Saturday afternoon, William told reporters: "It's a beautiful place, stunning designs in there."

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"It's been really incredible to learn about the romance of the building, and really beautiful architecture," added Kate.

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