New details have been announced for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s upcoming tour of Pakistan, with their Communications Secretary revealing that it will span over 1,000 kilometres and showcase a modern, vibrant country.
“From the modern leafy capital Islamabad, to the vibrant city of Lahore, the mountainous countryside in the North, and the rugged border regions to the West, the visit will span over 1000km, and will take in Pakistan’s rich culture, its diverse communities, and its beautiful landscapes,” reads the note from Christian Jones, William and Kate’s Communications Secretary.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will tour Pakistan from 14 to 18 October at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Jones writes that this will be the “most complex tour undertaken by The Duke and Duchess to date, given the logistical and security considerations,” as “Pakistan hosts one of Britain’s largest overseas networks, with the British High Commission in Islamabad being one of the UK’s largest diplomatic missions in the world.”
Their visit will focus on highlighting Pakistan as a “dynamic, aspirational and forward-looking nation,” and Their Royal Highnesses will focus on areas relating to young people, access to education, climate change, and military and security operations.
Jones writes that “access to quality education, particularly to girls and young women is one of the UK’s top priorities in Pakistan” and that William and Kate are looking forward to meeting young Pakistanis to hear more “about their aspirations for the future.”
Jones also writes, “As with previous overseas visits, The Duke and Duchess have asked that this tour allow them opportunities to meet as many Pakistanis as possible. Over the course of the visit, Their Royal Highnesses will meet a wide variety of people, including children and young people, leaders from government, business and the charity sector, inspiring conservationists, and well-known cultural figures and sporting stars,”
On climate change, Jones says that “[William and Kate] are keen to learn more about the climate change issues affecting Pakistan and our world, and the positive work being undertaken to combat these challenges.”
On learning about the security operations in the country, Jones says that, “[William and Kate will learn more about the challenges and opportunities, both of the past and today. The UK has been a key partner for Pakistan, and The Duke and Duchess will meet UK and Pakistan military personnel who are sharing expertise to improve security.”
It is their first visit to the country. Previously, The Queen and Prince Philip, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, and Diana, Princess of Wales have visited the country. This will be the first visit since 2006.
The full brief from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s upcoming visit can be read here. An itinerary will likely be released closer to their visit.
