LONDON: Prince William and Kate will visit Pakistan this autumn, the first royals to travel to the Islamic republic in more than 13 years.

The last royals to visit Pakistan were the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in 2006.

Prince William’s mother, Diana, the Princess of Wales, travelled to Pakistan several times for charity work during her lifetime.
The high commissioner for Pakistan, Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, welcomed Kensington Palace’s announcement of an autumn visit, saying: “The people of Pakistan still cherish and fondly recall the visits of Her Majesty The Queen to Pakistan during 1961 and 1997.

“The upcoming royal visit is a reflection of the importance the United Kingdom attaches to its relations with Pakistan.”

He added the countries “enjoy historical links which both sides wish to strengthen further”.

(Agencies)