Just days after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wrapped up their royal tour of Africa, Prince William and Kate Middleton are preparing to head to Pakistan for one of the “most complex” royal tours ever because of the logistics and the security concerns. The couple is visiting the war-torn country at the request of the British government to help improve relations between the British and Pakistani governments, as well as the citizens of both countries.
William and Kate will be traveling without their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – as they will be meeting with numerous dignitaries, sports stars, businessmen, conservationists, and citizens. They will be discussing the issues of climate change and child development, as access to quality education for girls and young women in Pakistan is one of the British government’s top priorities in the region.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will also be meeting with military personnel from both the UK and Pakistan near the border the country shares with Afghanistan to discuss how to improve the security problems in the area.
The trip is scheduled to last five days, and an insider says the royal visit to Pakistan is a big deal, considering the rich history between the two nations. More than 1.5 million people in the UK have family connections to the South Asian country, and it became part of the British Commonwealth after it gained its independence in 1947.
“What happens in Pakistan matters on the streets of the U.K. It is one of the most important relationships that the U.K. has,” a source told People Magazine.
Queen Elizabeth has visited the country numerous times during her 67-year reign, and she also sent Princess Diana to Pakistan for a solo trip in 1991. Just before her death in 1997, the Princess of Wales visited the country twice in less than a year. This time, it’s Prince William who will be representing his grandmother, as he takes on more of her duties while preparing to one day be King.
“[William and Kate] will visit programs which empower young people and organizations that help ensure they have the best possible start in life,” said a palace spokesman. “The Duke and Duchess are looking forward to spending time meeting young Pakistanis, and hearing more about their aspirations for the future.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s trip to Pakistan will take place between October 14th and 18th, and will cover 620 miles.
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