Cambridges in Pakistan: Monday Recap

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan on Monday night, beginning their five-day visit to the country that aims to “focus on showcasing Pakistan as it is today – a dynamic, aspirational and forward-looking nation,” per Kensington Palace.

Arriving aboard the RAF Voyager plane, a British government plane that carries government and royal VIPS, William and Kate were received by the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, His Excellency Thomas Drew.

Kate wore a stunning turquoise shalwar kameez designed by Catherine Walker and received bouquets from two Pakistani girls.

It was revealed by royal reporter Emily Andrews on Twitter that William and Kate had departed the UK after dropping off Prince George and Princess Charlotte at school and had scheduled the visit to end on Friday so that they could return and spend the weekend with all of their children.

Their arrival was the only official event on their schedule Monday, but several reporters have said that William and Kate will attend a reception to honour Pakistani culture and that the Duke will give a speech saying, in part, that “Pakistan is the world’s sixth largest country by population. It has an unbelievably diverse geography that spans deserts to glaciers and everything in between. It is the birthplace of the youngest ever Nobel peace prize winner.

“We share unique bonds and so it will always be in our best interests for Pakistan to succeed. Not least because of the 1.5 million people living in the UK with Pakistani origin and the fact that the UK is one of the biggest investors in Pakistan’s economy.

“You can always rely on the UK to keep playing an important role as a key partner and friend.”

Their full itinerary has not been announced due to complex security operations in place to protect the royal couple, although Kensington Palace revealed earlier this month that the Cambridges will travel 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.”

The couple will be based at the British High Commissioner’s residence, per the Daily Mail and will be protected by 1,000 police officers.