The Princess of Wales made an unannounced solo visit to Leicester today, where she was warmly greeted by crowds as she celebrated the city's Indian community. Dressed in an all-white ensemble, Kate visited the 'Golden Mile', a vibrant area known for its South Asian shops and restaurants.
Her first stop was The Aakash Odedra Company, a dance organisation founded by award-winning choreographer Aakash Odedra. The company supports over 1,000 people weekly through community dance programmes. Kate watched a performance and learned about their work with Move Against Cancer, offering Bollywood dance classes to cancer survivors. The princess, who announced she was in remission from cancer last year, has gradually returned to royal duties.
At a community centre, Kate was shown Bollywood dancing and a solo performance by Odedra, who performed 'Songs of the Bulbul', an interpretation of a Sufi story. After leaving the centre, she was mobbed by wellwishers seeking hugs and selfies. One elderly woman gave her a Hindu blessing, and she received a flower garland.
Kate visited Ladlees, a family sari shop, where she admired the embroidery. She then stopped at Bobby's restaurant, a family business named after a Bollywood film, where she enjoyed chai and traditional Indian sweets. Speaking with the owners, she praised family businesses for maintaining their values.
Reflecting on her visit, Kate said it was nice to return to Leicester under 'happier circumstances', recalling her 2018 visit with Prince William to pay tribute to victims of a helicopter crash. The visit highlighted the city's diversity and the princess's ongoing public engagements.
