Duchess Kate and Prince William received, well, the royal treatment when they attended an extravagant Bollywood gala fundraiser in Mumbai on Sunday, April 10.
The duke and duchess stunned as they joined Bollywood stars, ambassadors and some of India’s elite for the fete, which was held at the Taj Palace hotel.
Kate, 34, turned heads in a gorgeous, bright blue, hand-beaded Jenny Packham gown with earrings by Indian jeweler Amrapali, while William, 33, looked dashing in a classic black tuxedo and white dress shirt.
Guests were asked to stand when the royal couple entered the room, and later, when William took the stage to deliver a speech, he acknowledged what “a real treat” it was to be in such great company.
“When Catherine and I were married, India was the first place on Catherine’s list that she told me that she wanted to visit,” he said. “Two children and five years later, we have finally made it — and we are both honored to be here.”
This is the pair’s first time visiting India, though Williams’ parents famously made the journey to the country in 1992.
The prince added that though they had spent the earlier part of the day playing cricket with world-renowned cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and several young boys and girls, they were also well aware of the challenges that still face India’s children.
“Catherine and I are therefore pleased that tonight’s event will raise considerable sums for Childline India, Magic Bus and Doorstep, three Indian charities working to overcome severe problems that many young people face to fulfill their potential — problems which I know you recognize and are determined to fix,” he added.
Among the guests at the gala were Slumdog Millionaire actor Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan.
Asked what he thought of Kate, Khan told Us, “Is it OK to say she’s extremely beautiful and elegant? Well, she is! If they spend more time here, I think they’ll love it. I could definitely show them a good time! I’ll take them out.”
The duke and duchess plan to visit Kaziranga National Park, where they will see elephants, and will also pay their respects to the late Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi before finally following in the footsteps of William’s late mother, Princess Diana, by touring the famed Taj Mahal.
