After enjoying an action-packed four days in India for the first part of their week-long tour, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have touched down in Bhutan, where they are on a mission to help create a closer connection between England and the Himalayan nation.
After arriving at Paro airport, the couple were greeted by Princess Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck and Prince Dasho Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck. Afterwards, the royal couple took a scenic drive to the capital city of Thipmhu, were they met Bhutan’s young King Jigme Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun (dubbed the “Will and Kate of the Himalayas”).
The royals were welcomed with a traditional ceremony at Thimphu Dzong, the Bhutanese palace, and lit traditional butter lamps in the Tashichho Dzong Temple. Later, William and Kate visited an open-air archery venue in the city, where they were able to take part in a few lessons of their own!
Kate and William try their hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport.
As always, Kate was elegantly dressed for the occasion in an outfit that included a nod to the traditional fabric of the country. After arriving in Bhutan in a chic yellow dress, the royal changed into a cape-style top and floor-length skirt designed by Paul and Joe.
The ensemble was created in London using Bhutanese fabric, with the material for the skirt (called a Throngdrel) woven in Bhutanese tradition. The fabric was made by Kelzang Wangmo, one of Thimphu’s most celebrated weavers.
Next, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will take on a 5-6 hour hike to Paro Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest monastery which dates from 1692, before attending a reception for British nationals in Bhutan and Bhutanese people with strong links to the UK.
