IN DI’S FOOTSTEPS
Kate Middleton wears headscarf like Diana to same Pakistani mosque before trip to hospital where William’s mum visited
KATE MIDDLETON wore a headscarf similar to one worn by Diana to the same mosque in Pakistan.
Earlier today the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had shown off their cricketing skills in a showcase game.
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The mosque, built in the 17th century is the most Islamic site in Lahore, set in the heart of the walled city.
Prince William followed in the footsteps of both of his parents with the visit.
His mother Diana, Princess of Wales visited the site in 1991, and it was also included in the 2006 royal tour of Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
For the trip, Kate chose a traditional look for the visit with a turquoise French chiffon shalwar kameez with gold embroidery and teamed that with a matching headscarf by designer Maheen Khan.
The outfit comes from a region called Swarth in Pakistan and was said to have been purchased at O’nitaa London in London’s Chelsea’s neighbourhood, the same place Kate bought her gold earrings.
The Duke and Duchess walked barefoot into the dazzling Islamic site - which Diana had also done during her visit.
The royal couple were escorted by Imam Kabir Azad and the Honorary Consul to the UK Fakir Aijazuddin.
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The couple were invited to sit down cross-legged after being introduced to a group of scholars and religious leaders, who were sitting on cushions, for a discussion on promoting interfaith harmony among communities.
Among the group was Dr Ayesha Leghari, a Sunni Muslim scholar, who explained the verse to them.
"I was telling then how it is compulsory for us to respect other religions," Dr Leghari told reporters afterwards.
"God sent a messenger to every part of the globe and peace is to be attained through the process of growth.
"(William and Kate) were interested in finding out about how the youth thought about interfaith interactions."
She added that the couple were "charming" and interested and engaged in the discussion.
When William and Kate left the mosque, they were told by Mr Aijazuddin: "If there's one word to describe your visit, it is joy. You have radiated joy wherever you have been."
The duke replied: "We are very happy people."
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Kate and William then went on to comfort desperately ill children during their visit to a cancer hospital in Lahore during their Pakistan tour.
Prince William and Kate Middleton visited the Shaukut Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, the same place Princess Diana visited in 1991.
The royal couple visited the children’s ward of the hospital, located in the heart of the city, taking time to speak to the kids undergoing treatment and their families.
The state-of-the-art centre was built by the former cricketer Imran Khan, who is now the country’s Prime Minister, which was dedicated to his mother who died from cancer in 1985.
They arrived this morning on the RAF Voyager to kick off the fourth day of their tour.
Kate wore a white shalwar kameez made by the Pakistani brand Gul Ahmed and matched it with a shawl by Maheen Khan and tan shoes by Gianvito Rossi.
Her outfit was embroidered with a design of jamine flowers, Pakistan's national flower.
Their itinerary on Thursday began with a birthday party at SOS Children's Village, a charitable organisation in the heart of the city established in 1977.
Kate Middleton spoke in Urdu at the event, which involved games, music and traditional Pakistani cakes.
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It was her first speech of the week, following the duke's address on Tuesday evening.
Next up was a visit to the National Cricket Academy, where the couple joinrfr youngsters for a game of Pakistan's national sport.
Both Wills and Kate got stuck in with a game.
It's not the first time Kate has shown off her cricketing skills, having worn high heels for a game in New Zealand in 2014 and once again during a trip to India in 2016.
Prince William though perhaps looked more at ease when he stepped up to the crease, managing to score a six off one ball.
The children are participating in the British Council's DOSTI programme - Dosti meaning friendship in Urdu - which promotes sport as an integral part of child development.
The royal couple also met some of Pakistan's cricketing heroes and learned about the programme.
The couple also met a number of Pakistan's cricketing legends, having already had lunch with former international cricket Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday.
What Kate said in her speech
“We've had such an amazing time walking around the village and learning all about your lives.
“We have been really moved and touched by what we have seen, and by the happy home you have made.
“I’m aware that many of you have experienced extremely difficult times in your lives. But it is inspiring to see how you have used your strength and positivity to help transform the lives of so many young children here.
“Being here in Pakistan this week, William and I have seen on several occasions how family is at the heart of your culture.
“Parents, children, aunts, uncles, grandparents all play important roles – you have reminded us exactly what family means.
“You have shown us too that it is not simply a term that describes the relationship between blood relatives.
“Instead it describes those special bonds we share with those who make us feel safe and supported. It is the quality of those relationships that matters.
“Earlier this year I talked about the fact that it takes a village to raise a child.
“The village we have seen here today is the best representation of that ideal that I could have possibly imagined.
“Together as a village you are transforming children's lives and providing them with strong foundations to support all their families.
“You have created a home, where children are given the love, protection, and support that will enable them to have a fairer chance in life.
“Here, women who were once vulnerable, now play the most vital of roles as mothers and it is most heartening to see that you are not doing this alone.”
Wrapping up their forth and penultimate day, the couple will then travel to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre.
The cancer facility is another location previously visited by the late Diana, as a guest of her friend Mr Khan.
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The royal couple will visit the children's ward to spend time with patients undergoing treatment at the hospital, and are anticipated to speak to a number of their families.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently visited a mosque during their tour of southern Africa.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the Auwal Mosque, he oldest mosque in South Africa which was built in 1794.
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Prince William and Kate play with children at cancer hospital previously visited by Princess Diana in Lahore, Pakistan
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