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  • Royal couple make colourful entrance in rickshaw at Islamabad Monument

    Royal couple colorful entry File Photo Royal couple colorful entry

    he Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived at the Pakistan National Monument in Islamabad by rickshaw, as they embrace local custom in spectacular eveningwear.

    The Duchess of Cambridge dazzled in a bottle green evening gown as she and Prince William made an impressive entrance for the glittering reception in Islamabad.

    The duke demonstrated the UK’s support for the Commonwealth country, telling the reception that Pakistan could rely on Britain as “a key partner and your friend”. The five-day visit, at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, seeks to strengthen ties between the two nations. Kate wore a glittering emerald dress by Jenny Packham, while William wore a similar-coloured traditional sherwani buttoned coat by Karachi-based designer Naushemian.

    In his address to the reception, arranged to showcase the best of Pakistani culture, the duke recognised the troubled past of Pakistan. “Delivering a future where Pakistan’s great potential can be realised will not be easy or without sacrifice,” he said. “For a country so young, Pakistan has endured many hardships, with countless lives lost to terror and hatred. Tonight I want to pay tribute to all those who have endured such sacrifice and helped to build the country that we see today.”

    William called on the two nations to “continue to exemplify the very best in international co-operation”, while acknowledging that “the challenges ahead are great”.

    At the end of his speech, the duke quoted Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. “But we cannot be daunted, nor distracted,” he said. “Instead we should draw strength from our shared bonds and heed the words of Muhammad Ali Jinnah as we do so, ‘My message to you all’ he said ‘is of hope, courage, and confidence’.”