Princess Diana’s relationship with Pakistan is expected to loom large on almost each part of the visit when Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, begin a five-day trip from Oct 14 to 18.
Diana, a global icon for her commitment to humanitarian causes, visited Pakistan three times, winning hearts and minds like no other figure with her genuine expressions of compassion for the suffering.
Already, people in Pakistan are speculating what kind of cuisine the royal couple would like – Baryani or Pulao – and whether Kate would follow Princess Diana in wearing Pakistani costumes during the visit.
The images of Diana visiting the historical Badshahi mosque in Lahore and endearingly holding a child cancer patient during a visit to SKMT hospital are still fresh in the memories of Pakistanis, and those who follow legacy of the famous princess, who was also in love with a Pakistani physician Dr. Hasnat Khan.
Despite decades after those 1990s visits, William and Kate, surely would be judged on high standards set by Princess Diana as her popularity and legacy remains fresh.
For William and Kate, the visit would be important to showcase their own care and bonds with people.
Their visit takes place13 years after Charles and Camilla – the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwell – visited Pakistan 2006.
The royal couple will meet Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi on Tuesday. Following their meeting with Khan and Alvi, the royal couple will travel to Lahore on October 16 and Chitral on October 17.
![Prince William and Kate during a visit to Canada, Image: Brian Gratwicke [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a8/Canada_Ottawa_William_Kate_2011_%282%29.jpg)
Prince William and Kate during a visit to Canada, Image: Brian Gratwicke [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]
Prince William and Kate “will pay respect to the historical relationship between Britain and Pakistan” but the larger focus will remain “on showcasing Pakistan as it is today – a dynamic, aspirational and forward-looking nation,” read the statement.
According to Kensington Palace, currently the official residence of the Duke and Duchess, said that the tour will encompass “the modern leafy capital Islamabad, the vibrant city of Lahore, the mountainous countryside in the North, and the rugged border regions to the West.”
“The visit will span over 1,000 km, and will take in Pakistan’s rich culture, its diverse communities, and it’s beautiful landscapes,” it added.
They will also interact with organizations “which empower young people and ensure they have the best possible start in life”.
“Access to quality education, particularly to girls and young women is one of the UK’s top priorities in Pakistan,” the statement said.
As part of building connections, the couple would meet with “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.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan is deputing 1,000 police personnel to secure the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for the cross-country visit.
In view of safety of the couple, the government has not publicized the exact itinerary. Even journalists will be allowed to have security passes for coverage of events hours before the arrival of the royal dignitaries.
