ROCKY ROYALS
Kate Middleton and Prince William share stunning images of mountains in Northern Pakistan from day three of royal tour
THE DUKE and Duchess of Cambridge have shared breathtaking snaps from their trip to the Hindu Kush mountains.
The royal couple visited the remote region near the Afghan border on day three of their royal tour, where they observed how climate change is melting glaciers as well as the devastating impact of flash flooding on the local area in 2015.
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During the visit, the duchess was given the traditional beret - just like one Diana wore in 1991.
Kate was given a regimental cap of the Chitral Scouts with peacock feathers like one Princess Diana wore when she visited Chitral in 1991.
William was also given an embroidered coat and Kate a warm shawl, as well as a book of photos about Diana's visit 28 years ago.
The royal couple took a helicopter to visit the Chiatibo Glacier in Broghil National Park to see the effects of climate change in the region and Kalash village.
While in Chitral they will also look at the devastating impact of flash flooding on the local area in 2015 and glaciers melting.
Last night at a reception in Islamabad, William addressed the concerns saying: "Tomorrow we will be seeing some of these impacts first hand and meeting some of the communities adjusting to the new realities and new challenges that climate change has brought to their towns and villages.
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"I hope to learn what more we all can do to help prevent and mitigate this impending global catastrophe."
The royals had arrived in style on a colourful decorated rickshaw for a reception hosted by the British High Commissioner for Pakistan.
The couple travelled to the event, hosted by Thomas Drew, the British Commissioner for Pakistan, which is set to highlight the relationship between the UK and the Commonwealth country.
The duke made a speech at the event, saying the UK would continue to support the Commonwealth country as a "key partner and friend" during a visit which he hoped would strengthen ties between the two nations.
He said: "We share unique bonds and so it will always be in our best interests for Pakistan to succeed.
"You can always rely on the UK to keep playing an important role as a key partner and friend."
A busy itinerary on their first full day in the capital Islamabad saw the royal couple meet Prime Minister, Imran Khan and visit two education programmes - including a government-run school for students aged between four and 18.
Ahead of a lunch meeting with Pakistan's leader Imran Khan — whom William first met aged 11 because the ex-cricketer was his mother's friend — was visiting the Islamabad Model College for Girls.
The Prince and Kate, in a royal blue shalwar kameez by local designer Maheen Khan, are keen to champion the importance of quality education and highlight how girls benefit from pursuing higher education and professional careers.
I was a big fan of my mother too, she came here three times... I was very small
Prince William
William poignantly recalled his love for his mother after meeting with school kids.
Wills was asked what he had wanted to do when he was younger after Aima, 14, told him that she wanted to be a brain surgeon.
He replied: "Actually I changed a lot as I got older but I always wanted to learn to fly.
"I was flying for a while actually. I love flying, I feel very free [and] I like learning a skill, I enjoy that. I can relate the science of what you do."
The same student also told the Prince that the girls were "big fans of your mother".
William gave a broad, slightly wistful, smile and said: "You were, really?
"Oh that’s very sweet of you. I was a big fan of my mother too.
"She came here three times. I was very small. This is my first time and it is very nice to be here and meet you all."
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The Government-run school in central Islamabad, which educates students between the ages of 4 and 18, was established in 1978.
It currently benefits from the “Teach for Pakistan” programme, a fast-track teacher training programme modelled on the UK’s successful “Teach First” scheme - focused on improving the quality of teaching in schools which serve families from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Inside the school, the couple first sat with a group of kindergarten children, aged around four, as they learned about numbers and counting under a sign which read: Work Hard, Be Smart.
“Well done, very good,” said Wills, who introduced himself by shaking each of their hands, as they chatted.
They also met a class of youngsters aged 10 to 12 who were told by their teacher: “We have some guests in our class, can we welcome them?”
The children chorused: “Hello, welcome, nice to meet you.”
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk alongside the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan after having lunch at his official residence.
The couple's visit is the first official one to be made by the royal family to the country since Prince Charles and Camilla visited back in 2006.
In their public announcement of the trip, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said their visit will span more than 1,000km of the hardline country.
She touched down in Pakistan in a custom-made ombré design by Catherine Walker.
The traditional outfit is a long dress or tunic worn over trousers that cuff at the hem.
Kate’s bright design fades from white to a rich aqua — and was a stylish start.
We can’t wait to see what else she’s packed.
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived at the official residence of Prime Minister Imran Khan on their tour of Pakistan
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