The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge focused on conservation-based engagements on Wednesday, heading to the mountains in Northern Pakistan to view the effects of climate change and see how villagers are self-sustaining in the face of climate disaster.
Flying from Islamabad to the Hindu Kush, William and Kate “visited several inspiring community-led initiatives that aim to equip local society with the tools they need to adjust to the changing landscape and weather patterns of the area and the environmental challenges which are affecting their traditional way of life,” according to the Kensington Palace update.
Embed from Getty ImagesThey received Chitrali shawls and hats from the Chitrali Scouts as a welcome gift, similar to gifts received by Diana, Princess of Wales during her visit in 1991.
Speaking to the cameras, William said that he and Kate hope to “use our voices and lend our position” to help with environmental and climate change causes. “Catherine and I felt it was very important to come to Pakistan and see the different range of environments there are and, and really try and get a feel of the country.”
The Duke continued, saying that we need “more education, more awareness and political action” to combat the issues.
“If we take too long about this, we will lose many of the precious things we care about,” he said.
The couple visited a glacier that was rapidly melting, chatting with Dr Furrukh Bashir, a hydrometeorological and glacier expert based in Pakistan to learn more about the issue.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThank you to the Kalash people in Chitral for the wonderful welcome for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge today! #RoyalVisitPakistan pic.twitter.com/XNlKuZ2WUd
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 16, 2019
Following this, the Cambridges travelled to a remote village in the valley of the mountains in the Chitral District near the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
In Bumburet, they took part in cultural displays by the residents and also visited areas to see the devastation from severe flash flooding in 2015 as a result of glacial melting, met with residents to see how this had affected their lives and livelihoods, and also met with volunteers from the Emergency Response and Search & Rescue who helped prevent loss of life during the flash floods.
Embed from Getty ImagesDuring the cultural dance display, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met with Liba, a young schoolgirl who had a special connection to them. Speaking to the Daily Mail afterwards, Liba said that it was her dream to meet members of the Royal Family.
“I have known about Miss Diana and William as my mother Iran gave my older sister the name Diana in 1991 after her visit. Then my sister had a son and she called him William, and he is one.”
Embed from Getty ImagesShe said she told them “it was amazing they are here and everyone is excited and happy. I told them I watched the wedding and I cried and I just wanted to meet Mr Prince William and Miss Princess Kate. It was a miracle and I’m so happy.”
William and Kate ended their third day in Pakistan with a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and Mrs Qamar Bajwa at the Residence of the British High Commissioner in Islamabad.
