Royals

Kate Middleton and Prince William Visit Same Pakistani Mosque Princess Diana Went to 28 Years Ago

In keeping with tradition, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walked barefoot into the iconic Islamic site

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Published on October 17, 2019 07:36 AM

Kate Middleton and Prince William are following the footsteps of William’s late mother, Princess Diana, during their visit to Pakistan.

The royal couple made a poignant stop at the Badshahi mosque in Lahore on Thursday, the same place that Diana saw during her 1991 visit to the country. Princess Diana walked barefoot (keeping with tradition) into the iconic Islamic site, wearing a green coat dress by Catherine Walker — a favorite designer of Kate’s as well — and a headscarf.

William’s father has also visited the site in November 2016, when he and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, toured the giant 17th century mosque.

William and Kate toured the mosque and courtyard, which is set in the heart of the Walled City, before joining a discussion with faith leaders to understand how they are promoting interfaith harmony within their communities.

Prince William and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge — Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Princess Diana. Kent Gavin/Mirrorpix/Getty

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also took off their shoes, with Kate walking barefoot while William sported black socks.

The couple were welcomed by Imam Abdul Kabir Azad and the Honorary Consul, UK Fakir Aijaz Uddin, who accompanied them across the vast square. Inside, the couple were introduced to a group of scholars and religious leaders who were seated on cushions.

“They were interested in finding out about how the youth thought about interfaith interactions,” said Dr. Ayesha Leghari, a Sunni Muslim scholar. “There are different types of listening. Active listening and empathetic listening. They were not just active but empathetic too. We were very pleased. They were very charming and interested in each one of us.”

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge — Kate Middleton and Prince William. Owen Humphreys - Pool/Getty

When they left they were told by Honorary Consul, UK Fakir Aijaz Uddin, “If there’s one word to describe your visit it is ‘joy.’ You have radiated joy wherever you have been .” Prince William then replied: “We are very happy people.”

Kate chose a traditional look for the visit, a turquoise french chiffon shalwar kameez with gold embroidery paired with a matching headscarf by designer Maheen Khan. The outfit comes from a region called Swarth in Pakistan and was purchased at O’nitaa London in London’s Chelsea’s neighborhood, the same place Kate bought her gold earrings and William sourced his traditional sherwani.

The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge — Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry recently visited a mosque during their royal tour of Africa. The new parents visited Auwal Mosque, the oldest mosque in South Africa which was built in 1794 during British occupation of the Cape of Good Hope.

Meghan wore an olive green maxi dress made of recycled tissue nylon by STAUD. She added a cream-colored headscarf for the mosque visit.

Meghan Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry — Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Meghan Duchess of Sussex — Meghan Markle. Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

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Kate and William, both 37, will also head to the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, another spot that Princess Diana visited. The royal was there in June 1996 and again in May 1997, just months before her tragic death in August.