In a sight that was similar, yet starkly different, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge put an end to their India and Bhutan trip with a photograph in front of the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Sitting on a bench with the 'symbol of love' in the background, the royal couple took us back to 1992 when Princess Diana sat by herself as her marriage to Prince Charles was under strain. The couple returned from their short trip to the Himalayan democracy of Bhutan.
The Land of the Thunder Dragon welcomed William and Kate in capital Thimphu. The visit was eventful as the royals were first escorted on foot into the Tashicco Dzong, a fortress; both monastery and seat of government, along with a colourful procession of musicians, dancers, standard-bearers and monks. They later met with Bhutanese royals King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema. The Duke and Duchess presented a new variety of rose to the Queen of Bhutan, called the “Queen of Bhutan Rose”, which was developed as a special gesture to King Jigme and Queen Jetsun. They had founded the Royal Bhutan Flower Show last year and have created an English garden. The rose variety has been grown in the UK, funded by a private donation, and seventy-five dormant plants have been transported to Bhutan, where they are now being cultivated.
The British royals were later taken into a temple to receive a blessing and light butter lamps. They went to a display of archery, Bhutan's national sport where they even tried their hand with a severe lack of success. The two also indulged in a six-hour round trip hiking all the way to the Tiger's Nest Monastery near Paro.
The royals had a busy and amusing week as they were exposed to warm Indian hospitality, acquainting themselves with the locals, spending time with slum kids and, lunched with the Prime Minister. As Kate and William's tour ended and they left for England, there is no doubt they took a little bit of India with them.
