LONDON: Prince William and his wife Kate will visit Pakistan in the autumn at the request of Britain’s Foreign Office, Kensington Palace said.
Further details will be provided in due course, their office said.
Prince William and Kate’s visit will be the first official visit by a member of the British royal family to Pakistan since 2006 when Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall travelled to Pakistan.
Previously, the Queen visited in 1961 and 1997, and Princess Diana travelled there on a solo trip in 1991.
Pakistan’s high commissioner in London welcomed the announcement.
“The Government and the people of Pakistan warmly welcome the announcement of the Royal Visit by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Pakistan this year,” Pakistan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, said.
He added the people of Pakistan “still cherish and fondly recall” the visits by the Queen and described the upcoming trip as 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.”
