Diana, Princess of Wales, also made the journey several times through her charity work; It will also be a poignant trip for Prince William as he will meet PM Imran Khan – a friend of mum Princess Diana.
DESPARDES — Prince William and Kate Middleton will visit Pakistan this Autumn, becoming the first members of the royal family to travel to the country for 13 years.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will carry out a high-profile visit to Pakistan this autumn, Kensington Palace announced. The tour is a major diplomatic event for the couple amid improved security situation in Pakistan, a sign of their growing seniority within the royal family.
At the request of the British Foreign Office, William and Kate will travel to Pakistan, as the future heir to the throne follows in the footsteps of both his parents.
Their tour of Pakistan comes more than 13 years after the last royal visit, when the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall traveled to the country in 2006.
Diana, Princess of Wales, also made the journey several times through her charity work.
The High Commissioner for Pakistan, Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, said the government and people of Pakistan welcome the announcement that William and Kate will visit in the coming months.
“The people of Pakistan still cherish and fondly recall the visits of Her Majesty The Queen to Pakistan during 1961 and 1997,” he said.
“The upcoming royal visit is a reflection of the importance the United Kingdom attaches to its relations with Pakistan.
“The two countries enjoy historical links which both sides wish to strengthen further.”
More than 1.5 million people of Pakistani origin currently live in the UK, with 270,000 British nationals visiting the country every year.
British Airways last month resumed direct flights to Islamabad more than a decade after halting the service following a deadly bomb attack in the capital city.
Speaking at a British Council event in the city last month, British Deputy High Commissioner Richard Crowder described relations between Pakistan and Britain as “friendly and deep”.
The Queen last traveled to the state in 1997, and addressed the parliament in Islamabad.
When Charles and Camilla traveled to Pakistan, their visit was seen as one of the most perilous royal foreign tours for some time.
Details of where William and Kate will travel is yet to be released by the UK Foreign Office. Their trip is expected to be week-long and the Royal couple will not be taking their children, according to The Mirror.
It will also be a poignant trip for William as he will meet PM Imran Khan – a friend of mum Princess Diana.
