Jewels Of The East

William and Kate pulled offa complex tour to Pakistan with a dignity, serenity, and style worthy of a future king and queen

- Nici De Wet

IT WAS seen as one of the most complex royal tours in recent times and one that would require sensitivity, charm, and gravitas to pull off. But if ever there was a couple for the job, it’s the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

With a wealth of tour experience under their belts and a penchant for protocol practically oozing from their pores, William and Kate (both 37) made the perfect pair to take on Pakistan.

Queen Elizabeth is also said to have had full faith in her grandson and granddaughter-in-law as they headed off to charm and delight one of the most volatile places in Asia.

The Cambridges’ five-day trip marked the first time members of the monarchy had visited the country in more than a decade and it received a resounding thumbs-up from all quarters.

“The duke and duchess’ so-called ‘soft power’ was on full display as they worked to strengthen diplomatic bridges and shine a spotlight on a few of the country’s most pressing issues, such as children’s education and climate change,” one royal observer says.

And they did it all with their usual mix f warmth, wit and humility – along with a gallon of understated glamour thanks o the naturally regal and ever-stylish ate. Who else could get out of a tuk-tuk in an evening gown and sky-high heels and make it look as if she’s stepped out f a royal carriage? The fact that the pair donned the predominantly Muslim country’s traditional wear on more than one occasion also showed just the right amount of respect o their hosts.

“They channelled Eastern elegance,” a local newspaper editor said – a fact that’s endeared them not only to the locals but to the 1,5 million people of Pakistani descent back home in the UK.