Many netizens were in awe of Prince William and Kate Middleton's decision to visit Pakistan amid terrorism threats and conflicts in the area, but it seems like the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's reasons for visiting the country has a far more sentimental reason connected to the late Princess Diana. Still, security for the royal couple remains paramount, and the Palace is taking no chances in preparing for the upcoming travel plans.
According to a report by Daily Mail, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will undergo hostile environment training before they finally embark on their visit. A travel warning has been raised by the Foreign Office, stating that terrorists are very likely to carry out attacks on the country and that foreigners, particularly Westerners, may be directly targeted.
The last members of the royal family to visit the country are Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall 13 years ago. Their visit to the country over a decade ago was considered as perilous as William and Kate's upcoming travel plans.
Queen Elizabeth II also came to Pakistan in 1997 amid the conflict between India and Pakistan to air her appeal for the two nations to make peace in a Parliamentary Address in Islamabad.
Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, High Commissioner of Pakistan, welcomed the news of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's royal visit to Pakistan and recalled the Queen's visit in 1961 and 1997. He also pointed at the historical ties that the UK and Pakistan share. He added that he is hoping that these historical ties will be further strengthened.
"The upcoming royal visit is a reflection of the importance the United Kingdom attaches to its relations with Pakistan," The High Commissioner said of Prince William and Kate's impending arrival to their country.
Apart from strengthening diplomatic relations, part of the reason that Prince William and Duchess Kate's decision to visit Pakistan could be to pay tribute to the late Princess Diana, who held the country close to her heart when she was alive, another report stated.
Apart from constantly engaging in charitable missions in Pakistan, it was previously reported that Princess Diana once fell in love with heart surgeon Dr. Hasnat Khan at one point in her life and may have considered making Pakistan her new home.
The exact date of the royal visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's visit has not yet been determined, but Prince William and his wife Kate is expected to travel to the country sometime in autumn.
