Observer Report
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince William and Kate Middleton, on the third day of their five-day trip to Pakistan, visited the foothills of the Hindu Kush mountain range to witness the effects of climate change — one of the key areas of focus of their visit.
After visiting Broghil, they travelled to Bombaret village in Kalash valley.
In Kalash valley, the royal couple met locals and spent time with children. They also enjoyed performances of traditional dances and music by the local people.
A cap traditionally worn by Kalasha women was gifted to the duchess.
A large number of locals including women had welcomed the royal couple upon reaching the valley. Elaborate security arrangements were made for the visit.
They were very happy, meeting and shaking hands with everyone,” a district administration official said of William and Kate, adding that the couple also took keen interest in the Kalash culture.
Earlier on Wednesday, the royals had flown from Islamabad in a Pakistan Army chopper to Chitral, where they were gifted traditional hats and a book of photos commemorating the trip of William’s mother, Diana, who visited the valley in 1991.
“Fantastic,” the prince remarked as he sifted through the pages of the book. The residents also gifted an embroidered coat to Prince William and a shawl to Kate.
The couple visited Chiatibo Glacier in Hindu Kush mountain range in Chitral to witness effects of climate change and consequences of global warming, said PTI on its official Twitter account. William and Kate flew back to Islamabad after completing their visit to the region. The impact of climate change on fragile and remote communities was seen by Their Royal Highnesses (TRH) the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge today on a visit to Pakistan’s mountainous Chitral District.
TRH saw how communities are responding and adapting to the effects of climate change, which is a key area of interest for The Duke and Duchess at home and globally. They first visited the remote Chiatibo Glacier in Broghil National Park to see how climate change is causing glaciers to melt, creating risks for downstream communities. They received a detailed briefing on glacial melting, climate change and its causes and implications from Pakistani hydrometeorologist and glacier expert Dr Furrukh Bashir of the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
