The Duke of Cambridge comforted a young boy at a cancer hospital today that his late mother Princess Diana visited the year before she died, as he and his wife Kate traveled across Pakistan on a historic royal tour.
Prince William, accompanied by his wife, Kate, traveled from the capital Islamabad to the bustling city of Lahore today, where they made a trip to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center.
At the state-of-the-art cancer facility located in the center of Lahore, they visited the children’s ward to spend time with patients undergoing treatment at the hospital, and spoke to a number of their families.
The hospital was built by the now Pakistani Prime Minister, former cricketer Imran Khan, in memory of his late mother who died from cancer in 1985.
During his mother’s illness, he witnessed the plight of poor cancer patients in his country hospitals and vowed to build a facili ty that would be accessible to all, regardless of the status.
William and Kate on an emotional trip to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center in Lahore today
Seven-year-old Wafia Rehmani wears matching toy tiaras with Kate and hosts a toy tea party on her bed in the hospital today
The center opened its doors in 1994 and in February 1996, 18 months before her tragic death, Diana, Princess of Wales visited accompanied by Mr Khan and his former wife, Jemima Goldsmith, a close friend of the royal.
Diana was on a private visit to raise funds for the hospital – as well as meet the family of her great love, Pakistani surgeon Hasnat Khan – but had been advised not to undertake the trip due to political tensions with the UK.
She was movingly photographed cradling a young patient receiving cancer treatment at the time , which she later cited a s one of her most cherished images.
Also today, the Duke today made an emotional visit one of the world’s biggest mosques on his five-day tour of Pakistan, nearly 30 years after his late mother Princess Diana made a trip there.
Prince William and his wife Kate – wearing a green shalwar kameez by Maheen Khan and headscarf – looked around the Badshahi Mosque, which is the most iconic Islamic site in Lahore, set in the heart of the walled city.
The royals toured the mosque and courtyard, before joining a discussion with faith leaders to understand how they are promoting interfaith harmony within their communities.
Diana said she valued the photographs of her with the children at the Pakistani hospital as fondly as any. Here she talks to a young patient during her two-day Lahore visit in February 1996
Princess Diana, seen here on her February 1996 visit, said she cherished photos of her with children at the hospital
Jemima , now Jemima Goldsmith, watches on with her then-husband Imran Khan during Diana’s visit to the hospital in 1996
Jemima Khan watches on as Princess Diana comforts a young cancer patient in this iconic image from her May 1997 visit
Diana was in her element showing off her maternal side as she cuddled and comforted sick children during her final visit to the hospital in May 1997
The Princess of Wales visited the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital twice in the 18 months befor e her death in 1997
Diana visited the hospital for a second time in May 1997, just weeks before her death that August. She is pictured arriving and with a young patient
Diana comforting children during her visit to the hospital in 1997. It was founded by Imran Khan in memory of his own mother, who died from cancer in 1985
The duke wore a cream linen suit and black socks with his shoes off, while the duchess went barefoot as they visited what is one of the country most historic sights.
William is following in the footsteps of both his parents with the visit. His mother Diana, Princess of Wales visited the site in 1991, and it was also included in the 2006 royal tour of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
The couple were at the Badshahi Mosque in the city, located to the west of the historic Lahore Fort, which was built by the Emperor Aurangzeb in 1671.
Kate and William were invited to take off their shoes as the duchess pulled her scarf respectfully into position.
The couple then walked through the courtyard towards the mosque, the most iconic Islamic site in Lahore, set in the heart of the Walled City.
Inside they were given a brief history of the building before being invited to sit down cross legged with a group of religious leaders and Answers for a joining a discussion with faith leaders to understand how they are promoting
As they sat down a Prayer from the Holy Quran in Arabic was read out to which the couple listened intently.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk along the carpet during a visit to Badshahi Mosque at Lahore in Pakistan today
Kate smiles during the visit today to the mosque in Pakistan which is one of the biggest in the world
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit the Badshahi Mosque at Lahore in Pakistan today
The Duchess of Cambridge wears a green shalwar kameez by Maheen Khan and headscarf at the Badshahi Mosque today
The Duke and Duchess arrive for their visit to Badshahi Mosque in Lahore on the fourth day of the royal visit to Pakistan today
William and Kate visit the Badshahi Mosque today, the most iconic Islamic site in Lahore, set in the heart of the walled city
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to Badshahi Mosque in Lahore on the fourth day of the royal visit today
Kate wears an emerald green headscarf with a matching shalwar kameez by Maheen Khan during the couple’s visit today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sit on the floor during a visit today to Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan
The duke wore a cream linen suit and black socks with his shoes off, while the duchess went barefoot at the mosque today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge smile at each other as they visit the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore today
Taking part in the discussion were: Rt Rev Humphrey Sarfaraz Peters, the moderator of the Church of Pakistan and the Bishop of Peshawar; Azahar Ali Abidi, a Shi’a academic; Ramesh Singh, a member of the Pakistan Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Sikh; Dr Ramesh Kumar, Patron in Chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council; and *** Ayesha Leghari, a Suni Muslim scholar.
William is understood to have asked a question of the group about how interfaith issues are promoted amongst young people.
Dr Ayesha Leghari said afterwards that the couple had been ‘interested and empathetic listeners’, saying:’ You have people who are interested listeners and people who are also empathetic and they were very empathetic. We were really pleased. They were very responsive and very charming. ‘
The royals were welcomed to the Badshahi mosque by Imam Abdul Kabir Azad and the Honorary Consul, UK Fakir Aijaz Uddin, who accompanied them across the vast square leading to the central building.
Inside, the couple were introduced to a group of scholars and religious leaders sat down on cushions – with the imam proudly telling William that his son Hafiz Abdul Razaq who read a passage from the Koran. William said, ‘We’ve been learning all about the family history.’
Kate sat with her head down, William pensive beside her.
Diana, Princess of Wales wears a shawl given to her during a visit to the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore in September 1991
Diana takes a walk inside the historic Badshahi Mosque built by Mughal emperors on her visit to Lahore in September 1991
The first to speak was Dr Leghari, a Sunni Muslim scholar, explaining the verse. ‘I was telling then how it is compulsory for us to respect other religions.
‘ God sent a messenger to every part of the globe and peace is to be attained through the process of growth.
‘When we don’t give importance to negative emotions like jealousy, violence and greed and we move towards a higher level of being where we are more loving and compassionate. It is part of our belief to respect other religions. ‘
She said:’ They were interested in finding out about how the youth thought about interfaith interactions. ‘
The session was moderated by Iona Thomas, political councillor at the British High Commission. ‘We talked about how each faith teach acceptance. Then, we talked about the history of Pakistan and how when it was founded, ‘she said.
‘ We also talked about things that you can do to bring people together. The bishop talked about getting children to play cricket on mixed teams. And the duke asked quite a lot of questions about what more can be done about religious tolerance. ‘
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore today as the royal tour of Pakistan continues
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for their visit to the Badshahi Mosque within the Walled City of Lahore today
The Duke and Duchess are welcome to the second-largest mosque in Pakistan today during their five-day tour of the country
William is following in the footsteps of both his parents with the visit to Badshahi Mosque in Lahore today
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives for the interfaith meeting today at Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan
The royals toured the mosque and courtyard in Lahore, before joining a discussion with faith leaders today
Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are on a visit of Pakistan between Monday and Friday this week
The Du ke and Duchess of Cambridge are shown around the grounds of the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge go on a tour of Badshahi Mosque in Lahore during their royal visit today
William is following in the footsteps of both Diana and Prince Charles with the visit to the mosque in Lahore today
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. ‘ And the duke said, ‘We are very happy people.’
Earlier, the Duke and Duchess showed off their cricketing skills while playing Pakistan’s national sport today as they laughed while going into bat and bowl during their five-day tour of the country.
Their Royal Highnesses excitedly joined in a match with children who are participating in the British Council’s DOSTI program – Dosti means friendship in Urdu – at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
They met some of Pakistan’s cricketing legends as they learned about the program promoting sport as an integral part of child development, encouraging social integration, increased self-esteem and skills development .
William and the duchess both took turns hitting some soft balls in a game. There were cheers as the duke hit a six, while Kate was caught out twice after half a dozen balls – but they were deliberately dropped by the catchers.
The competitive couple often face off against each other in sporting events, including at a sailing regatta in the summer. After both taking a turn at the wicket, the couple high-fived the boys and girls they were playing with.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are pictured today during a visit to Badshahi Mosque in Lahore
The Duchess of Cambridge wears a green shalwar kameez by Maheen Khan and headscarf for her visit in Lahore today
The Badshahi Mosque is one of the country most historic sights and is part of the itinerary for the royal visit this week
The mosque is one of the country most historic sights and was visited by William’s mother Diana, Princess of Wales , in 1991
The Duchess of Cambridge donned a headscarf as she and her husband toured a Mughal mosque in Lahore today
The couple were at the Badshahi Mosque in the city today, located to the west of the historic Lahore Fort in Pakistan
Kate a nd William were invited to take off their shoes as the duchess pulled her scarf respectfully into position on arrival today
The couple walked today through the courtyard towards the mosque, the most iconic Islamic site in Lahore
William is understood to have asked a question of the group about how interfaith issues are promoted among young people
William and Kate leave the mosque today following their visit to what is one of largest structures of its kind in the world
The royal couple are on an official five-day visit to Pakistan, and made the trip to the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore today
The Duke and Duchess both admitted they could improve their cricket as they took part in the game with children and cricketing legends.
Being the national game of Pakistan, there was pressure on them to perform and William rose to the challenge, scoring six.
Kate, meanwhile was caught out twice – but locals remained impressed with her enthusiastic efforts to hit the ball. She had sensibly swapped her heels for a white pair of trainers.
To make matters more challenging, female cricket stars Sana Mir and Ayesha Zafar were bowling. The two teams had a mix of boys and girls from underprivileged backgrounds aged between 10 to 14 Years.
Some of Pakistan’s biggest cricketing legends were also present and playing – including Hasan Ali, Azhar Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Waqar Younis – former captain of the Pakistan cricket team – was umpiring and was excited to see the couple as he had already met the Queen twice.
He said: ‘I’m glad that they came – it was a great encouragement for these young kids.
On their skills, he joked: ‘They probably need some homework! William told me he has played a lot of tennis – and that he really only played cricket when he was younger. But he said he can work on it! ‘
A Prayer from the Holy Quran in Arabic was read out while the couple visited the mosque in Lahore today
The Cambridges look out over the grounds of the mosque today during their visit to the site in Lahore
The Duchess of Cambridge brushes her hair and headscarf as she visits the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore today
The royals speak to each other as they leave the mosque following their visit to the huge site in Lahore today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk during a visit to Badshahi Mosque in Lahore on their royal tour to Pakistan today
Kate and William were invited to take off their shoes as they approached the mosque in Lahore this afternoon
William and Kate were welcomed today by Imam Abdul Kabir Azad and the Honorary Consul, UK Fakir Aijaz Uddin
William and Kate were given a tour of the holy site in Lahore on the fourth day of their royal tour of Pakistan today
William and Kate walked on a red carpet through the holy building with the imam before being given a tour of the inside today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a visit to the Badshahi Mosque in the Pakistan city of Lahore
He said that the couple hadn’t seemed nervous about their performance, saying: ‘I was more tense than he was! ‘
Upon arrival, William appeared to be feeling the (F) C) heat and remarked to the children he was introduced to: ‘Is it warm for cricket today? ‘
Two of the youngsters, Mohammad and Zairab, told the couple how they both had issues with confidence and discipline but now feel very empowered.
Fizza Abid, a cricket coach and manager of the women’s cricket team, said: ‘The couple s eemed really happy to be there and asked what other sports the children liked. Kate asked how much sports helps these young people and we told her how much it helps. ‘
Adeeba, 14, asked the Duchess if she liked cricket.
Abid, who was helping to translate, said: ‘The Duchess said she liked cricket – but is into tennis and swimming. She said she needs to practice cricket more!
The duchess had bare feet, while the duke wore black socks with his cream linen suit for the visit to the mosque today
The Duchess bows her head during the visit to the mosque in Lahore today during the tour of Pakistan today
Kate’s visit today comes after the late Diana visited the religious site in 1991, on one of her visits to the Islamic country
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk across the red carpet as they visit the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore today
The royals visit the Badshahi Mosque within the Walled City of Lahore during the trip to Pakistan today
William and Kate walked on a red carpet through the holy building in Lahore today during their tour of Pakistan
Today’s visit to the Badshahi Mosque brought back memories of the duke’s late mother Diana, Princess of Wales
The duchess had bare feet, while the duke wore black socks with his cream linen suit for the visit to the mosque today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to Badshahi Mosque in Lahore today on the fourth day of the royal visit
Prince William and his wife Kate went on a walk around the grounds of the famous mosque in Pakistan today
William and Kate were given a tour of the holy site in Lahore on the fourth day of their royal tour of Pakistan today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for an interfaith meeting at Badshahi Mosque in Lahore today
The royals, pictured today, are on a visit of Pakistan this week at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
‘They were also asked if they liked Pakistan and said yes they do, that it was a really beautiful and vibrant country. ‘
She added that she had been impressed by how well the couple had played: ‘William was very good, he got a six – Kate was good too but got caught out twice.’
In a speech, chairman of the club Ehsan Mani told the couple that the day would be ‘something that they [the children] will never forget.’
As a ‘token of our friendship,’ three cricket bats were given to the couple for George, Charlotte and Louis. William joked about the one for Louis, saying: ‘He’ll grow into it!’
The DOSTI program is a ‘sports for peace’ initiative that aims to break social barriers and promote community cohesion. It helps children facing challenges such as gang-related crime or low school retention.
It promotes sports as an integral part of children’s lives and demonstrates the benefits to health, social integration, and self- esteem. There will be an opportunity to speak to the children to hear about how sports have helped their everyday lives and community.
The Duchess of Cambridge gestures as she talks during her visit to Badshahi Mosque with the Duke in Lahore today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sit on the carpet during a visit to Badshahi Mosque in Lahore today
The duke wore a cream linen suit and black socks with his shoes off for the visit to the mosque in Lahore today
The trip by the Duke and Duchess today comes after the mosque was visited by William’s mother Diana nearly 30 years ago
Kate wears a headscarf as she visits the mosque in Lahore today, which is one of Pakistan’s most historic sights
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge look at each other as they visit the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appeared to enjoy their visit to the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore today
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Badshahi Mosque within the Walled City today during day four of the royal tour
The royal couple pose for a photo on the steps of the mosque in Lahore as the visit to Pakistan continues
The duke wore black socks with his shoes off, while the duchess went barefoot for the visit to the mosque in Lahore today
Kate and William walk along the carpet in the grounds of the mosque as their tour around Lahore today continues
Kate wears an emerald green headscarf with a matching shalwar kameez for the visit to the Badshahi Mosque today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for an interfaith meeting at Badshahi Mosque today during their visit to Pakistan
The royals toured the mosque and courtyard, before joining a discussion with faith leaders at the mosque today
The Duchess wears a headscarf looks around the grounds of the mosque in the city of Lahore today
The red carpet is laid out as media gather ahead of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Badshahi Mosque today
The Cambridges smile as they look around the grounds of what is one of the world’s largest mosques, in Pakistan today
The couple also had the chance to tell a story to children with finger puppets today as they visited the SOS Children’s Village, a center for local orphansin the heart of the city which was established in 1977.
The SOS Children’s Village, which is attached to a school, provides a home and family structure to over 150 young girls and boys, and promotes the development of children into happy, confident and resilient adults.
Kate gives her first speech on Pakistan tour at SOS Children’s Village
The Duchess of Cambridge spoke today at the SOS Children’s Village in Lahore, which was her first speech during her five-day royal tour with Prince William.
She said:‘We’ve had such an amazing time walking around the village and learning all about your lives.We have been really moved and touched by what we have seen, and by the happy home you have made. )
‘I’m aware that many of you have experienced extremely difficult times in your lives. But it is inspiring to see how you have used your strength and positivity to help transform the lives of so many young children here. ‘
‘Being here in Pakistan this week, William and I have seen on several occasions how family is at the heart of your culture.
‘Parents, children, aunts, uncles, grandparents all play important roles – you have reminded us exactly what family means. You have shown us too that it is not simply a term that describes the relationship between blood relatives
‘ Instead it describes those special bonds we share with those who make us feel safe and supported. It is the quality of those relationships that matters.
‘Earlier this year I talked about the fact that it takes a village to raise a child. The village we have seen here today is the best representation of that ideal that I could have possibly imagined.
‘Together as a village you are transforming children’s lives and providing them with strong foundations to support all their families.
‘You have created a home, where children are given the love, protection, and support that will enable them to have a fairer chance in life.
‘Here, women who were once vulnerable, now play the most vital of roles as mothers and it is most heartening to see that you are not doing this alone.’
William and Kate joined a birthday party for one of the children, which involved games , music and traditional Pakistani cakes, and the duchess said a few words, her first speech of the five-day tour.
They will later make a trip to the same cancer hospital visited by Diana in the year before her death. Earlier, the royals were given a red carpet welcome at Lahore Airport as they met the city’s governor.
The SOS Children’s Village provides a home and family structure to over 150 orphaned children from babies to age 18, and promotes the development of them into happy, confident and resilient adults.
Built over ten acres, it started out with 15 family homes, to which another four have since been added. Touchingly, one of the homes was donated by a man called Mohammed Afzal, who grew up in the village and is now a successful Hong Kong-based businessman.
He is one of a number of success stories, with children going on to become bankers, IT Answers, army officer, teachers, textile workers and government employees.
The original site, the first to be built in Pakistan, had no provision for education, with children sent to outside schools.
But it was quickly realized that the best possible eduction could only be offered by creating its own school on the site. )
The couple began by sitting in on a musical story telling session and were given brightly-colored finger puppets to play along with.
‘It’s very nice to be here, ‘said Wiliam,’ My name is William …. I am called William.
After asking each of the children’s ages, he asked one little boy: ‘How old do you think I am? ‘
‘ Twenty one, ‘offered the child. ‘I’ll take twenty one, that’s good! ‘he laughed. ‘I am a little bit older than that. Can you guess?
‘I have my own children. A little boy called Louis and then there is Charlotte and them George, who is six. He’s almost as old as you. ‘
The couple then went into a private meeting with seven children who live in one of the boarding houses and their’ house mother ‘.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge laugh as they play cricket today during their visit to Lahore’s National Cricket Academy
The Duchess of Cambridge plays cricket during her visit to the National Cricket Academy in Lahore today
Kate goes to bowl the ball during the visit to Lahore, before going in to bat at the National Cricket Academy today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge show off their cricketing skills while playing Pakistan’s national sport today
Kate laughed and clapped her hands while going into bat and bowl during the royals’ five-day tour of the country.
The Duchess of Cambridge rea cts and laughs while playing cricket during her visit at the National Cricket Academy today
The royal couple excitedly joined in a match today with children participating in the British Council’s DOSTI program
The Duchess of Cambridge today learned about the program promoting sport as an integral part of child development
Kate joins in a match today with children in the British Council’s DOSTI program, which encourages social integration
The program visited by the royals in Lahore today aims to improve the self-esteem and skills development of children
The Duchess of Cambridge hits the ball during a visit to the National Cricket Academy in Lahore today on the Pakistan tour
Kate laughs as she throws the ball while playing Pakistan’s national sport at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore today
William hits the ball with his Pakistan Cricket Board bat during the royal visit to the National Cricket Academy today
The Duchess of Cambridge throws the ball today as she shows off her cricketing skills while playing Pakistan’s national sport
Kate joins children participating in the British Council’s Dosti program for a match of Pakistan’s national game today
William and Kate are at the event at the National Cricket Academy where they will meet international cricketing legends today
Kate goes to bat the ball while joining in a match with children participating in the British Council’s DOSTI program today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet people at today’s cricket showcase at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge go out to bat during a visit to see the British Council’s DOSTI cricket program today
Kate picks up the ball during the cricket match at the National Cricket Academy in Pakistan today
The couple both took turns hitting some soft balls in a game of cricket at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore today
Kate joined children in the British Council’s Dosti program today, which promotes sport as a part of child development
William and Kate were introduced to a number of cricketing figures at the ground today after playing in the match
There were cheers as the duke hit a six, while Kate was caught out twice after half a dozen balls today
Afterwards they were invited to celebrate three of the children’s birthdays – Iman, 12, Ib rahim, six, and eight-year-old Daniyal by singing a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday and helping them to cut a cake.
Kate began an address in a greeting in Urdu, before wishing the three youngsters a happy birthday.
How Lahore has a turbulent history dating back nearly 800 years
Lahore, Pakistan’s second largest city and the capital of Punjab province, has a history of violence that dates back it being sacked by a Mongol army in 1241.
The same forces repeatedly attacked it until 1398 when it fell under the control of the Turkic conqueror Timur .
But in 1524 it was captured by the Mughal Bābur’s troops, which began its golden age under the Mughal dynasty when it became a royal residence.
By the 18 th century it was an Iranian empire outpost, before being associated with the rise of the Sikhs.
But following the death of ruler Ranjit Singh in 1839, it passed under British rule in 1849 and did not receive independence until 1947.
Its historic landmarks include the 36 -acre Lahore Fort, the huge mosque at Badshahi and the Shalimar Garden.
Today more than six million people live in the financial hub, where major industries include textiles and rubber.
In her first speech of the tour the duchess said: ‘We’ve had such an amazing time walking around the village and learning all about your lives.
‘We have been really moved and touched by what we have seen, and by the happy home you have made.
‘ I’m aware that many of you have experienced extremely difficult times in your lives. But it is inspiring to see how you have used your strength and positivity to help transform the lives of so many young children here. ‘
She continued:’ Being here in Pakistan this week, William and I have seen on several occasions how family is at the heart of your culture.
‘Parents, children, aunts, uncles, grandparents all play important roles – you have reminded us exactly what family means. You have shown us too that it is not simply a term that describes the relationship between blood relatives
‘Instead it describes those special bonds we share with those who make us feel safe and supported. It is the quality of those relationships that matters.
‘Earlier this year I talked about the fact that it takes a village to raise a child. The village we have seen here today is the best representation of that ideal that I could have possibly imagined.
‘Together as a village you are transforming children’s lives and providing them with strong foundations to support
After both taking a turn at the wicket, the couple high-fived the young boys and girls they were playing with on the pitch
The Dosti program visited by Kate and William in Pakistan today promotes sport as a part of child development
The Duke of Cambridge goes out to bat during a visit to see the British Council’s DOSTI cricket program today
The competitive couple often face off against each other in sporting events, and played cricket in Pakistan today
The Duke of Cambridge hits the ball during a visit to see the British Council’s DOSTI cricket program in Lahore today
Kate and Wil liam both went in to bat as they played cricket at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore today
The Duchess of Cambridge showed off her cricket abilities after picking up the bat during their Pakistan royal tour today
Kate hits the ball during the cricket match today at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore today
Kate goes to hit the ball while playing in a cricket match with her husband in Lahore today
Kate and William both take part in the cricket match in Lahore today as their tour of Pakistan continues
The DOSTI program is named after the word meaning friendship in Urdu. Kate is pictured playing cricket in Lahore today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pose for a group photo as they visit the National Cricket Academy in Lahore today
The Duchess of Cambridge laughs as she visits the National Cricket Academy in Lahore during the royal tour of Pakistan today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge speak to young players as they visit the National Cricket Academy in Lahore today
Kate speaks to cricket players and Prince William hits the ball during the match in Lahore today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shake hands with child participants at the National Cricket Academy today
Kate meets people taking part in the cricket program at Pakistan’s National Cricket Academy in Lahore today
Kate arrives at the National Cricket Academy today where she is introduced to youngsters taking part in the program
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet youngsters at the cricket showcase at the National Cricket Academy today
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives for her visit of the National Cricket Academy in Lahore during the royal tour today
The couple talk to players during their visit of the National Cricket Academy during day four of their tour to Pakistan today
The British Council runs the DOSTI program to promote sport as an integral part of child development in Lahore
The royals talk with child participants of the British Council’s DOSTI program at the National Cricket Academy today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge talk to players during their visit to the National Cricket Academy in Lahore today
Children at the British Council’s DOSTI cricket program, a sports for peace initiative, await the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at National Cricket Academy in Lahore today the fourth day of the royal visit to Pakistan
Media await the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the British Council’s DOSTI cricket program today
Cricket players warm up ahead of Prince William and Kate visiting the National Cricket Academy in Lahore today
‘You have created a home, where children are given the love, protection, and support that will enable them to have a fairer chance in life.
How orphans at specialists Nisreen Ahmad SOS Children’s Village have become bankers, army officers and IT
The SOS Children’s Village is a charitable organization in the heart of Lahore established in 1977.
The Village, which is attached to a school, provides a home and family structure to over 150 orphaned young girls and boys from babies to age 18, and promotes the development of children into happy, confident and resilient adults.
Built over ten acres, it started out with 15 family homes, to which another four have since been added.
Touchingly, one of the homes was donated by a man called Mohammed Afzal, who grew up in the village and is now a successful Hong Kong-based businessman.
He is one of a number of success stories , with children going on to become bankers, army officers, teachers, IT specialists, textile workers and government employees.
The original site, the first to be built in Pakistan, had no provision for education, with children sent to outside schools.
But it was quickly realized that the best possible education could only be offered by creating its own school on the site.
‘Here, women who were once vulnerable, now play the most vital of roles as mothers and it is most heartening to see that you are not doing this alone.’
Iman, who has been at the Village for three years, said: ‘It very nice to meet the Prince and Princess. I am so happy and thankful to have them to celebrate my birthday. ‘
She added:’ Her Urdu was very good. ‘
Umma Kashmir , 39, was left at the village at three months old and never knew her parents.
‘I was here for 25 years and am now married with three children and I have done my PHD and lecture at university in management sciences, ‘she said proudly.
‘ I never saw my parents and I never asked who they were. This was my family, they loved and cared for me. I didn’t feel the need to find out.
‘I was really delighted to be invited and to meet them. They seemed very impressed by what they saw here. It was an honor. ‘
William, accompanied by his wife, Kate, traveled from the capital Islamabad to the bustling city of Lahore today, where they will later make a trip to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center .
The couple were greeted this morning by officials and a posy of flowers before going into the airport terminal for a private meeting with the Governor of Lahore, and the Duchess looked ethereal in ivory as she arrived .
Kate, wearing a shalwar kameez by Gul Ahmed and a shawl by Maheem Khan, kept her husband, Prince William, waiting for a few moments before they stepped off their official RAF Voyager plane.
The Duchess was also wearing Asprey’s Woodland Oak Leaf hoop earrings.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tell a story to children with finger puppets today in Lahore during their tour of Pakistan
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit the SOS Children’s Village in Lahore today during their tour of Pakistan
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge entertain the youngsters during a visit to SOS Children’s Village in Lahore today
The SOS Children’s Village, which is attached to a school, provides a home and family structure to young girls and boys
William and Kate visit SOS Children’s Village today, a charitable organization in the heart of the Lahore established in 1977
More than 150 young girls and boys are helped by the SOS Children’s Village in the city of Lahore in Pakistan
William and Kate join a birthday party for one of the children at the SOS Children’s Village today which involves games
The duchess says a few words during the visit to the SOS Children’s Village today, which is her first speech of the five-day tour
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge take part in a storytelling session during their visit to SOS Children’s Village today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge smile during a visit to SOS Children’s Village in Lahore today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tell a story as they meet with youngsters at the SOS Children’s Village in Lahore today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to SOS Children’s Village in Lahore today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge talk to staff as they visit the SOS Children’s Village organization in Lahore today
The Children’s Village in Lahore has been runni ng since 1977 and provides a home for 150 children
Kate is presented with flowers during the royal visit to the SOS Children’s Village in Lahore today
The Duke and Duchess visit the SOS Children’s Village in Lahore today to meet local orphan girls and boys
Britain’s Prince William looks closer at flowers he and the Duchess of Cambridge are given at SOS Children’s Village today
The Duchess of Cambridge speaks animatedly during a visit to SOS Children’s Village in Lahore today
The Duchess of Cambridge waves during a visit to SOS Children’s Village in Lahore today
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are greeted at Lahore Airport in Pakistan this morning by officials and a posy of flowers
Kate kept her husband, Prince William, waiting f or a few moments before they stepped off their official Voyager plane today
The royal couple smile as they are greeted by the welcome party at Lahore this morning before going into the airport terminal
The couple are having a private meeting with the Governor of Lahore, and the Duchess looked ethereal in ivory as she arrived
Kate wears a shalwar kameez by Gul Ahmed and a shawl by Maheem Khan as she steps off the plane at Lahore Airport today
Kate and William walk along the red carpet in Lahore after their arrival this morning as the royal visit to Pakistan continues
The Duchess of Cambridge receives a salute as she gets off the RAF Voyager plane at Lahore Airport in Pakistan today
The Duchess gets off the plane today before she and William held a private meeting with the Governor of Lahore
The Duke and Duc hess of Cambridge arrive at Lahore Airport today on the fourth day of their royal tour of Pakistan
Kate steps onto the red carpet in Lahore today wearing a shalwar kameez by Gul Ahmed and a shawl by Maheem Khan
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Lahore Airport during their tour of Pakistan today to meet the city’s governor
The couple traveled on the RAF Voyager to the capital of Punjab today to continue their royal tour of Pakistan
Kate wore a white shalwar kameez – a traditional outfit of a long tunic and trousers – by Gul Ahmed, in Lahore today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambri dge arrive in Lahore this morning for the fourth day of their Pakistan royal tour
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appear in good spirits today as they get off the plane in Lahore
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Lahore Airport today to meet the city’s governor during their royal tour
The royal couple arrive in Lahore today on the British Government’s Voyager aircraft which has been supplied by the RAF
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