The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are meeting children in Mumbai for a game of cricket after landing in the city this morning to begin their first royal tour as a couple for almost two years.
They were given an enthusiastic welcome upon their arrival at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel earlier today, having landed 20 minutes ahead of schedule on a British Airways flight from London with part of the 11-strong entourage that will accompany them on their seven-day trip to India and Bhutan.
William and Kate's first official engagement of the visit saw them lay a wreath at a memorial to the hotel’s victims of the 2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), before the royal couple changed outfits for a trip to Mumbai's Oval Maidan, a Grade 1 recreation ground in the south of the city for a game of cricket with some of the city’s many thousands of street children.
Afterwards they will make their way to the Bangana Water Tank where they will see for themselves some of the grim poverty Mumbai’s glamorous image belies.
Tonight they will also attend a glittery Bollywood gala dinner – with singers, dancers and even a nod to fashion – The Taj Palace hotel to raise money for the charities and children they met earlier.
Film star Shah Rukh Khan - known as King Khan by his fans - and Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar will walk the welcoming red carpet as will Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and other movie celebrities including Rishi Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan and Farhan Akhtar.
Kate and William will meet 150 members of the so-called ‘Boligarch set’ at tonight’s gala, including Bollywood A-listers such as Bride And Prejudice actress Aishwarya Rai – India’s answer to Angelina Jolie.
Highlights of the tour will see them visit the Taj Mahal - famously visited by Diana, Princess of Wales - where the royal couple hope to create 'new memories'.
Hit for six! Athletic Kate keeps on her towering wedges to play cricket with Indian school children on first day of tour with William
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge landed in Mumbai this morning to begin their seven-day tour of India and Bhutan
Highlights of royal tour will see William and Kate visit the Taj Mahal - famously visited by Diana, Princess of Wales
Couple will also pay tribute to 31 staff and guests who died in 2008 Mumbai terror attacks at Taj Mahal Palace hotel
Tonight William and Kate will attend glittery Bollywood gala dinner with singers, dancers and even nod to fashion
By Rebecca English, Royal Correspondent In Mumbai and Sam Tonkin In London For Mailonline
10 April 2016
Daily Mail
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are meeting children in Mumbai for a game of cricket after landing in the city this morning to begin their first royal tour as a couple for almost two years.
They were given an enthusiastic welcome upon their arrival at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel earlier today, having landed 20 minutes ahead of schedule on a British Airways flight from London with part of the 11-strong entourage that will accompany them on their seven-day trip to India and Bhutan.
William and Kate's first official engagement of the visit saw them lay a wreath at a memorial to the hotel’s victims of the 2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai, before the royal couple changed outfits for a trip to Mumbai's Oval Maidan, a Grade 1 recreation ground in the south of the city for a game of cricket with some of the city’s many thousands of street children.
Hit for six: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are meeting children in Mumbai for a game of cricket after landing in the city this morning to begin their first royal tour as a couple for almost two years. Kate appeared to be a natural as she celebrated smacking the ball for six
Energetic: Kate also took part in a number of drills with children from non-governmental organisations Magic Bus, Childline and Doorstep
William and Kate have been meeting some of the city’s many thousands of street children and a number of the charities helping them
Kate looked radiant as she jogged around in her towering wedges and flowery summer dress having dressed down from her earlier outfit
Taking part: Kate was pictured having a bat as she enjoyed a game of cricket on Mumbai's iconic recreation ground, Oval Maidan, today
Looking relaxed: After leaving their hotel, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed to Mumbai's Oval Maidan, a Grade 1 recreation ground in the south of the city for a game of cricket with some of the city’s many thousands of street children
The Duchess blended Indian colour with British couture as she chose an Alexander McQueen dress accompanied with a £165 clutch bag by Russell and Bromley and £1,495 Temple of Heaven earrings by Cassandra Goad for her arrival at the hotel.
She also wore a pair of new nude LK Bennett courts, with a pointed toe, costing around £195.
Kate is expected to showcase a number of Indian designers with her choice of outfits during the couple’s tour, but she played it safe with one of her favourite fashion houses for the country’s first sight of her.
Her red, paisley-themed outfit with a shirt split at the front over a black underskirt, borrowed heavily from Asian tradition, while the Duke opted for a navy blue suit.
She and William were given garlands of fragrant frangipani and rose to wear around their necks – and neither looked remotely tired by the long flight.
Shortly afterwards their staff, including her PA and unofficial stylist, Natasha Archer, arrived, laden with luggage and clothes bags.
Highlights of the tour will see William and Kate visit the Taj Mahal - famously visited by Diana, Princess of Wales - where the royal couple hope to create 'new memories'. Tonight they will also attend a glittery Bollywood gala dinner – with singers, dancers and even a nod to fashion – at The Taj Palace hotel to raise money for the charities and children they are due to meet today.
This morning the royal couple were given a warm welcome by locals standing across the street as they arrived at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. There they laid a wreath at a memorial to the hotel’s victims of the 2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai.
A total of 31 staff and guests were killed in the assault, as well as the hotel’s labrador guard dog, Lucy. Next to a waterfall in an atrium of the hotel all 32 names are inscribed on a wall, under the words: 'For now and forever you will inspire us.'
Putting on a show: Children from Magic Bus, a non-governmental organisation, play a game of cricket as Prince William and Kate look on
Sporty: William and Kate met local children for a game of cricket at the Oval Maidan in Mumbai on day one of their tour of India and Bhutan
Paying tribute: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge laid a wreath at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, the scene of the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. The couple arrived in Mumbai this morning for their first royal tour as a couple for almost two years
The royal couple are staying at the Taj as a show of support for the city in the wake of the attacks, which remain fresh in the memory eight years on.
At the memorial they were introduced to hotel chef Raghu Deora, 41, who was shot in the stomach and in the leg as he helped guests to safety.
The Duke asked him about what happened on the day, while the Duchess said: 'It must have been a surreal time.'
Mr Deora said: 'The Duke asked me what happened to me and I explained how I was shot. He asked me how long I took to recover, and I said six months, with the last operation two years ago.'
The Duchess asked him about his cooking, and if he had a speciality, to which he replied that he specialised in local dishes.
Mr Deora also cooked the couple’s lunch, which included a starter of vegetable kebabs and main courses including lentil curry with rice, ricotta cheese and okra.
He said: 'It is all vegetarian because I was told that was what they preferred.'
Later the couple will head to Mumbai's Oval Maidan, a Grade 1 recreation ground in the south of the city for a game of cricket with some of the city’s many thousands of street children and meet some of the charities helping them.
Afterwards they will make their way to the Bangana Water Tank where they will see for themselves some of the grim poverty Mumbai’s glamorous image belies.
Tonight they will also attend a glittery Bollywood gala dinner – with singers, dancers and even a nod to fashion – at The Taj Palace to raise money for the charities and children they met earlier.
Film star Shah Rukh Khan - known as King Khan by his fans - and Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar will walk the welcoming red carpet as will Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and other movie celebrities including Rishi Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan and Farhan Akhtar.
Kate and William will meet 150 members of the so-called ‘Boligarch set’ at tonight’s gala, including Bollywood A-listers such as Bride And Prejudice actress Aishwarya Rai – India’s answer to Angelina Jolie.
Highlights of the tour will see them visit the Taj Mahal - famously visited by Diana, Princess of Wales - where the royal couple hope to create 'new memories'.
They will pay their respects to India's founding father Mahatma Gandhi at the place where he was assassinated in New Delhi in 1948 and will tour the Kaziranga National Park, home to two thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses as well as tigers and elephants.
The Cambridges' seven-day trip to Asia will also see the royal couple visit the mountainous kingdom of Bhutan where they will meet the nation's glamorous King and Queen.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema have attracted the attention of royal watchers across the globe since their marriage in 2011, and even been compared to William and Kate.
A spokesman for the couple said they hoped to start a 'very personal relationship' with the country.
'The focus of the trip will be understanding India as it is today, a vibrant, entrepreneurial, aspirational nation that faces both its challenges and huge opportunities with confidence,' they said.
Kensington Palace also issued a statement in the wake of the tragedy at a Hindu temple in southern India. More than 100 people have been killed and 200 injured after a huge fire tore through the temple during a fireworks display in Paravur, Kollam.
A spokesman said: 'Upon their arrival this morning The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were informed about the tragic fire in Kollam.
Their Royal Highnesses are saddened by the news and send their thoughts to all who are assisting the victims.'
This morning the royal couple were given a warm welcome by locals standing across the street as they arrived at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel
Raring to go: Prince William gets out of a car as he and Kate arrive at the Taj Palace hotel in Mumbai to start their seven-day tour of India
Excitement: Locals in Mumbai wore Duke and Duchess of Cambridge masks in anticipation of William and Kate's arrival in the city
Having fun: Children in Mumbai play cricket in the street while wearing William and Kate masks as the city prepares for the couple's vist
Read more: Namaste! Kate and William arrive in India and pay tribute to victims of 2008 Mumbai terror attacks at start of their first royal tour as a couple for nearly two years* | Daily Mail Online
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They were given an enthusiastic welcome upon their arrival at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel earlier today, having landed 20 minutes ahead of schedule on a British Airways flight from London with part of the 11-strong entourage that will accompany them on their seven-day trip to India and Bhutan.
William and Kate's first official engagement of the visit saw them lay a wreath at a memorial to the hotel’s victims of the 2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), before the royal couple changed outfits for a trip to Mumbai's Oval Maidan, a Grade 1 recreation ground in the south of the city for a game of cricket with some of the city’s many thousands of street children.
Afterwards they will make their way to the Bangana Water Tank where they will see for themselves some of the grim poverty Mumbai’s glamorous image belies.
Tonight they will also attend a glittery Bollywood gala dinner – with singers, dancers and even a nod to fashion – The Taj Palace hotel to raise money for the charities and children they met earlier.
Film star Shah Rukh Khan - known as King Khan by his fans - and Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar will walk the welcoming red carpet as will Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and other movie celebrities including Rishi Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan and Farhan Akhtar.
Kate and William will meet 150 members of the so-called ‘Boligarch set’ at tonight’s gala, including Bollywood A-listers such as Bride And Prejudice actress Aishwarya Rai – India’s answer to Angelina Jolie.
Highlights of the tour will see them visit the Taj Mahal - famously visited by Diana, Princess of Wales - where the royal couple hope to create 'new memories'.
Hit for six! Athletic Kate keeps on her towering wedges to play cricket with Indian school children on first day of tour with William
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge landed in Mumbai this morning to begin their seven-day tour of India and Bhutan
Highlights of royal tour will see William and Kate visit the Taj Mahal - famously visited by Diana, Princess of Wales
Couple will also pay tribute to 31 staff and guests who died in 2008 Mumbai terror attacks at Taj Mahal Palace hotel
Tonight William and Kate will attend glittery Bollywood gala dinner with singers, dancers and even nod to fashion
By Rebecca English, Royal Correspondent In Mumbai and Sam Tonkin In London For Mailonline
10 April 2016
Daily Mail
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are meeting children in Mumbai for a game of cricket after landing in the city this morning to begin their first royal tour as a couple for almost two years.
They were given an enthusiastic welcome upon their arrival at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel earlier today, having landed 20 minutes ahead of schedule on a British Airways flight from London with part of the 11-strong entourage that will accompany them on their seven-day trip to India and Bhutan.
William and Kate's first official engagement of the visit saw them lay a wreath at a memorial to the hotel’s victims of the 2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai, before the royal couple changed outfits for a trip to Mumbai's Oval Maidan, a Grade 1 recreation ground in the south of the city for a game of cricket with some of the city’s many thousands of street children.
Hit for six: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are meeting children in Mumbai for a game of cricket after landing in the city this morning to begin their first royal tour as a couple for almost two years. Kate appeared to be a natural as she celebrated smacking the ball for six
Energetic: Kate also took part in a number of drills with children from non-governmental organisations Magic Bus, Childline and Doorstep
William and Kate have been meeting some of the city’s many thousands of street children and a number of the charities helping them
Kate looked radiant as she jogged around in her towering wedges and flowery summer dress having dressed down from her earlier outfit
Taking part: Kate was pictured having a bat as she enjoyed a game of cricket on Mumbai's iconic recreation ground, Oval Maidan, today
Looking relaxed: After leaving their hotel, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed to Mumbai's Oval Maidan, a Grade 1 recreation ground in the south of the city for a game of cricket with some of the city’s many thousands of street children
The Duchess blended Indian colour with British couture as she chose an Alexander McQueen dress accompanied with a £165 clutch bag by Russell and Bromley and £1,495 Temple of Heaven earrings by Cassandra Goad for her arrival at the hotel.
She also wore a pair of new nude LK Bennett courts, with a pointed toe, costing around £195.
Kate is expected to showcase a number of Indian designers with her choice of outfits during the couple’s tour, but she played it safe with one of her favourite fashion houses for the country’s first sight of her.
Her red, paisley-themed outfit with a shirt split at the front over a black underskirt, borrowed heavily from Asian tradition, while the Duke opted for a navy blue suit.
She and William were given garlands of fragrant frangipani and rose to wear around their necks – and neither looked remotely tired by the long flight.
Shortly afterwards their staff, including her PA and unofficial stylist, Natasha Archer, arrived, laden with luggage and clothes bags.
Highlights of the tour will see William and Kate visit the Taj Mahal - famously visited by Diana, Princess of Wales - where the royal couple hope to create 'new memories'. Tonight they will also attend a glittery Bollywood gala dinner – with singers, dancers and even a nod to fashion – at The Taj Palace hotel to raise money for the charities and children they are due to meet today.
This morning the royal couple were given a warm welcome by locals standing across the street as they arrived at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. There they laid a wreath at a memorial to the hotel’s victims of the 2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai.
A total of 31 staff and guests were killed in the assault, as well as the hotel’s labrador guard dog, Lucy. Next to a waterfall in an atrium of the hotel all 32 names are inscribed on a wall, under the words: 'For now and forever you will inspire us.'
Putting on a show: Children from Magic Bus, a non-governmental organisation, play a game of cricket as Prince William and Kate look on
Sporty: William and Kate met local children for a game of cricket at the Oval Maidan in Mumbai on day one of their tour of India and Bhutan
Paying tribute: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge laid a wreath at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, the scene of the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. The couple arrived in Mumbai this morning for their first royal tour as a couple for almost two years
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pause to remember those who lost their lives in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks
The Duke and Duchess placed a wreath of white lilies between 32 burning candles, with the message: 'In memory of those who lost their lives and those injured in the senseless atrocities at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Willam, Catherine.'
The royal couple are staying at the Taj as a show of support for the city in the wake of the attacks, which remain fresh in the memory eight years on.
At the memorial they were introduced to hotel chef Raghu Deora, 41, who was shot in the stomach and in the leg as he helped guests to safety.
The Duke asked him about what happened on the day, while the Duchess said: 'It must have been a surreal time.'
Mr Deora said: 'The Duke asked me what happened to me and I explained how I was shot. He asked me how long I took to recover, and I said six months, with the last operation two years ago.'
The Duchess asked him about his cooking, and if he had a speciality, to which he replied that he specialised in local dishes.
Mr Deora also cooked the couple’s lunch, which included a starter of vegetable kebabs and main courses including lentil curry with rice, ricotta cheese and okra.
He said: 'It is all vegetarian because I was told that was what they preferred.'
Later the couple will head to Mumbai's Oval Maidan, a Grade 1 recreation ground in the south of the city for a game of cricket with some of the city’s many thousands of street children and meet some of the charities helping them.
Afterwards they will make their way to the Bangana Water Tank where they will see for themselves some of the grim poverty Mumbai’s glamorous image belies.
Tonight they will also attend a glittery Bollywood gala dinner – with singers, dancers and even a nod to fashion – at The Taj Palace to raise money for the charities and children they met earlier.
Film star Shah Rukh Khan - known as King Khan by his fans - and Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar will walk the welcoming red carpet as will Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and other movie celebrities including Rishi Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan and Farhan Akhtar.
Kate and William will meet 150 members of the so-called ‘Boligarch set’ at tonight’s gala, including Bollywood A-listers such as Bride And Prejudice actress Aishwarya Rai – India’s answer to Angelina Jolie.
Highlights of the tour will see them visit the Taj Mahal - famously visited by Diana, Princess of Wales - where the royal couple hope to create 'new memories'.
They will pay their respects to India's founding father Mahatma Gandhi at the place where he was assassinated in New Delhi in 1948 and will tour the Kaziranga National Park, home to two thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses as well as tigers and elephants.
The Cambridges' seven-day trip to Asia will also see the royal couple visit the mountainous kingdom of Bhutan where they will meet the nation's glamorous King and Queen.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema have attracted the attention of royal watchers across the globe since their marriage in 2011, and even been compared to William and Kate.
A spokesman for the couple said they hoped to start a 'very personal relationship' with the country.
'The focus of the trip will be understanding India as it is today, a vibrant, entrepreneurial, aspirational nation that faces both its challenges and huge opportunities with confidence,' they said.
Kensington Palace also issued a statement in the wake of the tragedy at a Hindu temple in southern India. More than 100 people have been killed and 200 injured after a huge fire tore through the temple during a fireworks display in Paravur, Kollam.
A spokesman said: 'Upon their arrival this morning The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were informed about the tragic fire in Kollam.
Their Royal Highnesses are saddened by the news and send their thoughts to all who are assisting the victims.'
This morning the royal couple were given a warm welcome by locals standing across the street as they arrived at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel
Raring to go: Prince William gets out of a car as he and Kate arrive at the Taj Palace hotel in Mumbai to start their seven-day tour of India
Excitement: Locals in Mumbai wore Duke and Duchess of Cambridge masks in anticipation of William and Kate's arrival in the city
Having fun: Children in Mumbai play cricket in the street while wearing William and Kate masks as the city prepares for the couple's vist
Read more: Namaste! Kate and William arrive in India and pay tribute to victims of 2008 Mumbai terror attacks at start of their first royal tour as a couple for nearly two years* | Daily Mail Online
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
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