Sunday, 10 April 2016

Royal Visit India, Day One - Kate's dream comes true

It's been busy to say the least. As Kate and William began their tour of India they packed in plenty and we're not just talking outfits here (though that was a rather nice bonus). And as it all came to an end, the Duke of Cambridge revealed that this much talked about and anticipated visit had made one of his wife's dreams come true.


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at a gala evening in Mumbai
(photo Kensington Palace Twitter)

Speaking to guests at a gala dinner attended by some of the biggest names in Indian film, entertainment and sports, William said that from the moment they got married his wife had had India at the very top of her list of countries to visit. He added 'two children and five years later, we have finally made it - and we are both honoured to be here.'



The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the gala reception in Mumbai this evening
(photo Kensington Palace Twitter)

The glittering dinner and reception was the culmination of a day packed with activities which had begun in the same place. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridg headed straight to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, where they are staying, but there was no heading inside for a quick rest after the flight. The first thing the couple did was meet some of those affected by the 2008 terror attacks and lay a wreath in memory of those who were killed in them.


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks
(photo UK in India Twitter)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge then headed out and about. There was an open air bus ride of Mumbai with children from local charity, Apnalya.




William and Kate headed to the Oval Maidan where they met representatives and children from three other charities. Door Step School which helps offer education to children living in very poor circumstances including the slums of Mumbai. They also met with Magic Bus which helps children move out of poverty towards better lives and Childline which is working to protect children in need of care and help.






There were some lovely moments as Kate and William chatted with the children and heard their stories.


Kate and William with children from Childline in Mumbai today
(photo Childline Twitter)

There was also a spot of cricket or two. We got to see William and Kate with some of the legends of the game, including Sachin Tendulkar.


And then it was time for a royal tour tradition - Duke versus Duchess on the cricket field. When they last squared up at the stumps, in New Zealand in 2014, Kate gave William a telling off for trying tricky moves. This time round they were super serious about the whole thing and while William's technique was better, all anyone really cared about was watching Kate play cricket in sunglasses.



The couple then headed to the Banganga Water Tank in Mumbai where they laid petals on the still waters in a moment of tranquility on a busy day.  They visited women from the Banganga community and heard about the work of the Smile Foundation which aims to empower women and young people through education and healthcare initiatives.



The day ended with that gala which brought the whole day together. The glamourous event took place at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and it's raising money for some of the charities they heard about today - Magic Bus, Door Step and Childline.  And it really was glamourous with dancing, speeches and fabulous decorations.


Day two promises to be just as busy but one thing is sure - Kate will be smiling through it all as one of her dreams comes true.

There is a special page all about William and Kate in India here.
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