Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive at Pakistan’s National Monument in royal rikshaw
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived at a reception at Pakistan’s national monument to highlight the relationship between UK and Pakistan.
The royal couple travelled to the event, hosted by Thomas Drew, the British Commissioner for Pakistan, in a colourful rickshaw.
Kate wore a glittering emerald dress by Jenny Packham, while William wore a similar-coloured sherwani by Karachi-based designer Naushemian.
During his keynote speech, Prince William highlighted the relationship between the UK and Pakistan – and also referred to when his grandmother the Queen visited more than fifty years ago, saying: ‘Stood here with this magnificent monument behind me, I am struck by the great strides Pakistan has made since its birth seventy-two years ago.
In his speech, the duke said the UK would continue to support the Commonwealth country as a “key partner and friend” during a visit which he hoped would strengthen ties between the two nations.
He said: “We share unique bonds and so it will always be in our best interests for Pakistan to succeed. “You can always rely on the UK to keep playing an important role as a key partner and friend.”
He called on Pakistan and its feuding neighbour India to “continue to exemplify the very best in international co-operation”, while acknowledging “the challenges ahead are great”. “But we cannot be daunted, nor distracted,” he said.
At the end of his speech, William quoted Muhammad Ali Jinnah – the founder of Pakistan.
“Instead we should draw strength from our shared bonds and heed the words of Muhammad Ali Jinnah as we do so, ‘My message to you all’ he said ‘is of hope, courage, and confidence’.”
Prince William spoke of the warm welcome and delicious food they had experienced in Pakistan after arriving on Monday evening and visiting local school children and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Many prominent personalities were in attendance at the event, including Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Wasim Akram and wife Shaniera Akram, designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin of the HSY clothing brand, cricketer Mohammad Hafeez, actresses Mahira Khan, Mehwish Hayat, and singer Atif Aslam.