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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have touched down in Islamabad, marking the start of their official visit to Pakistan, a trip which has been described by the palace as the couple’s “most complex” tour ever.
The couple were greeted by the Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, as they stepped off their Royal Air Force Voyager, and made their way down red-carpeted stairs and were gifted a bouquet of flowers by two children.
Duchess Catherine is gifted a bouquet of flowers by two children as she arrives in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Image: Getty)
Duchess Catherine looked gorgeous in a look inspired by Pakistan’s traditional shalwar kameez, a bespoke turquoise ombre dress and pants ensemble by one of her go-to British designers Catherine Walker, which she paired with nude heels and statement earrings which Hello! reports is believed to be by Pakistani brand Zeen.
Meanwhile, Prince William looked smart in a navy suit and dark blue tie.
Kate looked gorgeous in a bespoke dress and pant ensemble by Catherine Walker, inspired by the traditional shalwar kameez. (Image: Getty)
Following the couple’s arrival in the country, their first ever visit to Pakistan, Kensington Palace shared a stunning shot of the pair disembarking the plane, captioned: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived in Pakistan!”
Due to the tight security surrounding the tour, the couple’s itinerary has not been outlined beforehand like it would usually be, instead being released day by day, with Kensington Palace saying the visit is “the most complex tour undertaken by The Duke and Duchess to date,” due to the sensitivity, logistical and security considerations.
While we may not have an exact itinerary, the Palace says William and Kate’s trip will “pay respect to the historical relationship between Britain and Pakistan, but will largely focus on showcasing Pakistan as it is today – a dynamic, aspiration and forward-looking nation.”
Across the five days, the tour wraps up on October 18th, the couple – who have travelled without their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – will travel extensively across the nation, from the capital of Islamabad to the city of Lahore, along with a trip to the northern countryside and the border regions to the West.
“The Duke and Duchess have asked that this tour allow them the opportunities to meet as many Pakistanis as possible,” Kensington Palace has said.
“Over the course of the visit, Their Royal Highnesses will meet a wide variety of people, including children and young people, leaders from the government, business and the charity sector, inspiring conservationists, and well-known cultural figures and sporting stars.”
The couple are eager to meet as many Pakistani as possible during their five-day visit. (Image: Getty)
Education will be a strong focus for the couple during their tour, with visits to organisations helping young people get the best start in life planned.
“The Duke and Duchess are looking forward to spending time meeting young Pakistanis, and hearing more about their aspirations for the future.”
There will also be a focus on climate change, with the couple keen to learn about how the communities in Pakistan are responding and adapting to the effects of climate change and how it is affecting the nation and its people.
Education and climate change will be some of the main focuses for the couple during their visit to Pakistan. (Image: Getty)
Ahead of their tour, the couple attended a reception at The Aga Khan Centre in London, hosted by His Highness The Aga Khan, to celebrate Pakistani culture.
During their engagement the couple shared they were “looking forward to building a lasting relationship with the people of the nation, BAZAAR.com reported.
