Sunday 22 / December / 2024
London: Britain's popular Royal couple Prince William and Kate Middleton on their maiden visit to India next month will stay at the iconic Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai, attacked by terrorists in 2008, to show "solidarity" with the victims of the carnage.
Thirty-three-year-old William and his wife Kate, 34, will embark on their maiden visit to India on April 10 that will also include a trip to the monument of love, Taj Mahal in Agra.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will spend one night at the Taj Palace Hotel and visit a memorial to the victims of the 26/11 attack.
Their stay would display "solidarity" with the victims.
The royal couple will also attend a Bollywood Gala evening at the hotel on April 10 which will raise money for charities helping street children.
"The Taj was one of the scenes of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in November 2008 and is now an iconic symbol of the city's resilience and strength. The stories of the bravery and dedication of the staff there are now known around the world," Kensington Palace said.
"The Duke and Duchess are following in the footsteps of other world figures, including The Prince of Wales and US President Barack Obama who have both used their stays at the hotel to display solidarity with the people of this great city."
The hotel was under siege for four days in November 2008 when Laskar-e-Taiba terrorists carried out attacks across the city which left 166 dead and wounded more than 300.
On their week-long visit to India and Bhutan, William and Kate will also meet children from the Mumbai slums during a game of cricket at the Mumbai's famous recreation ground Oval Maidan.
Their final stop will be a visit to the Taj Mahal, recreating Princess Diana's visit there in 1992. Kensington Palace spokesman said the prince felt "incredibly lucky" to visit a place where his mother's memory is kept alive.
"The Duke of Cambridge is of course aware of the huge esteem his mother, the late Princess of Wales is held in India and he appreciates the iconic status of the images that exist of the Princess at the Taj.
"He feels incredibly lucky to visit a place where his mother's memory is kept alive by so many who travel there," he said.
The Royal couple's India visit had been announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK last November, as being undertaken at the request of the UK government to promote India-UK ties.
