History repeated itself today as William and Kate sat on the bench in front of the Taj Mahal, just like Diana did, on the last day of their tour of India.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the 17th century marble creation ‘as a thank you to the people of India’ and created an iconic image of their own as they sat and posed for photos, marking the final day of their 7-day visit to the east.
William and Kate sit in front of the Taj Mahal on the last day of their Indian tour. UK in India
Speculation was rife amongst the press prior to the visit, as to whether William and Catherine would sit on the bench to ‘recreate’ the image of Diana, Princess of Wales. It was here, alone on a tour in 1992, that she revealed to the press the state of her marriage to Prince Charles, saying the experience of being at the site was ‘healing’.
The Royal couple arrived in Agra, India, from Bhutan after two days in the small mountainous Kingdom, meeting The King and Queen, and taking a five-hour hike through the Himalayas.
In temperatures of 40c plus, the Duke and Duchess were given a tour of the world-famous site, which was created by Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The bench was kept watered and cool for the couple before they arrived so the pair could sit comfortably and pose for cameras.
Will and Kate approached the bench with their guide and sat for the cameras. They had a brief exchange with the press sitting before them, with Prince William saying “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” and complimenting the press on their hats, purchased outside the Taj.
Security was naturally heightened for the Royal visit, but the public were still allowed to circulate, avoiding certain areas where Will and Kate specifically were.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wandered through the grounds of Taj Mahal. UK in India
