Visit: Chevening scholars from Bhutan and India attended a reception hosted by Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on April 6 at the Kensington Palace in London, to mark their forthcoming official visit to Bhutan and India.

The event was also attended by the High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom (UK) and other key personalities from the business and academic sector. Their Royal Highnesses interacted with the students and asked questions related to their education and experience in the UK. Their Royal Highnesses also took the opportunity to learn more about the culture and history of the respective countries.

Their Royal Highnesses expressed delight on their planned visit to Bhutan, and were particularly excited about the hike up to Taktshang. The Bhutanese group conveyed the general excitement and jubilant mood among the people of Bhutan regarding the visit, and expressed their good wishes to Their Royal Highnesses for a successful and enjoyable trip to Bhutan. The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, said that he has heard so much about the natural beauty of Bhutan, and is looking forward to the experience.

Four Bhutanese students are currently undergoing post-graduate studies in the fields of diplomacy, finance and health in various universities across the UK as part of the Chevening programme, which is the UK’s international awards scheme funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. There are more than 44,000 Chevening alumni all over the world. This is the first time that Bhutan has been offered the Chevening scholarships.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are scheduled to arrive in Bhutan on the April 14, and receive an Audience with His Majesty The King at the Throne Room of the Tashichhodzong.

They are also going to attend an archery match at the Changlimithang ground, and meet with students from schools in Thimphu, the Ability Bhutan Society and Draktsho Vocational Centre. They will leave the country on April 16, after visiting Taktshang on April 15.

Prince William’s father, Prince Charles, visited Bhutan in 1998, and his uncle, Prince Andrew, in 2010.

Staff reporter

Additional reporting by Rigtsal Dorji

Foreign Service Programme

Oxford University

Advertisement