Prince William and Kate Middleton to visit Pakistan in autumn

High Commissioner to UK Nafees Zakaria says visit reflects the importance UK attaches to Pakistan

KARACHI: Some exciting news was shared by Keningston Palace recently, that being the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be undertaking a trip to Pakistan.

The British royal family shared the news via their Twitter and Instagram account recently, confirming the royal duo will be conducting the official visit in the autumn.

“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will undertake an official visit to Pakistan at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office,” a statement from the palace read. “The visit will take place in the Autumn.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzTw6JvlrN9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

It’s unclear if Prince William and Kate's children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and baby Prince Louis — will accompany the couple, both 37, on the visit.

The trip will mark Kate and William’s first visit to Pakistan, though the royals visited India in 2016.

While the exact details of their trip have not been disclosed yet, this will be the first official visit by a member of the British royal to Pakistan since 2006 when Prince Charles and Camilla visited the country.

Queen Elizabeth visited twice back in 1961 and 1997.  Of course, who could forget the late Princess Diana travelling to Pakistan on a solo trip in 1991, capturing the hearts of many.

High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Mohammad Nafees Zakaria warmly welcomed the royal tweet, posting, "Upcoming Royal visit reflects the importance UK attaches to Pakistan. Both countries enjoy historical links & wish to strengthen further."

#RoyalVisit2Pakistan People of Pakistan cherish&fondly recall visits of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II to Pakistan during 1961 and 1997. Upcoming Royal visit reflects the importance UK attaches to Pakistan. Both countries enjoy historical links & wish to strengthen further.

— Mohammad Nafees Zakaria (@ZakariaNafees) June 29, 2019

Zakaria continued, "Government and the people of Pakistan warmly welcome the announcement."

#RoyalVisit2Pakistan Government & the people of Pakistan warmly welcome the announcement of the @KensingtonRoyal of the Royal visit by TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Pakistan this year 1/2

— Mohammad Nafees Zakaria (@ZakariaNafees) June 29, 2019

According to The Telegraph, the couple has not toured together for 18 months and will be visiting Pakistan in the autumn to take on heavyweight roles in Britain's overseas diplomacy.

The visit also comes amid security concerns, which the Royal couple will shrug off to follow in the footsteps of their father, grandmother and late mother.

The Cambridges are likely to meet Prime Minister Imran Khan in an official capacity during their visit.

The news comes days after the announcement that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be embarking on a tour of Africa, also in the autumn.

Prince Philip reportedly warned Prince Harry not to marry Meghan Markle

They will visit South Africa, with Harry also making stops in Malawi and Angola. He’ll also do a “short working visit in Botswana en route to the other countries,” according to a post on the couple’s Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzN8VdOlsbk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The news of the trip comes after a reported tense time between the royal couples. Earlier this month, Harry, 34, and Meghan, 37, officially split from The Royal Foundation, their former joint charity with Kate and William.

The Royal Foundation will continue without the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s involvement, the palace announced in a statement, saying, “They are especially proud to have established a charity that has had, and will continue to have, significant long-lasting impact, changing lives for the better.”

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.