Princess Kate's Cultural Tour of Leicester's Golden Mile
The Princess of Wales, Kate, showcased her appreciation for spice and community during a vibrant visit to Leicester's renowned Golden Mile on Thursday. The royal engagement saw her immerse herself in local culture, from sampling traditional snacks to witnessing captivating dance performances.
A Taste of Tradition at Bobby's Indian Restaurant
Kate's first stop was Bobby's Indian restaurant, a family-run establishment that has been a fixture on the Golden Mile for five decades. Owners Dharmesh and Enna Lakhani welcomed the princess, who sipped tea and tried an array of sweet and savoury snacks. When offered a chutney made with green chillies, Kate confidently remarked, "I'm OK with spice."
Mr Lakhani described the experience as "absolutely amazing" and an honour, adding, "We couldn't even dream of something like this happening. This was blessings from above." Mrs Lakhani noted Kate's warmth and approachability, saying she was "so kind" from the moment she arrived.
The princess congratulated the couple on their thriving business, acknowledging the challenges of a "fast-paced" world where "sitting down and eating as a family together becomes harder and harder." She also shared a lighthearted moment, revealing that the Prince of Wales, William, has a fondness for chocolate.
Celebrating Colour and Craftsmanship
Kate's exploration continued at Ladlee, a sari shop where she admired "absolutely extraordinary" outfits, describing them as a "real celebration of colour." The Golden Mile, located in the Belgrave area, is famous for its high concentration of Indian jewellery, sari, and fashion boutiques, making it a cultural hub in the UK.
Moving Dance Performances and Community Spirit
The princess then visited the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre to meet award-winning choreographer and dancer Aakash Odedra. Upon arrival, Kate, wearing a cream dress with a matching long jacket, bowed her head as Mr Odedra placed a handmade garland of red roses and pearls around her neck.
After watching a performance by Mr Odedra's dance company, during which she was given a red rose, Kate expressed her admiration, saying, "My children would love it, they love their dance." She later viewed a candlelit performance of his latest solo work, Songs Of The Bulbul, an interpretation of an ancient Sufi story about a captured songbird, set to live music.
Kate gave a standing ovation, clapping and describing the performance as "so moving." Mr Odedra, once a student of renowned Bollywood choreographer Shiamak Davar, leads his dance company from its base in Belgrave.
Warm Welcome from the Community
As Kate walked down the Golden Mile, members of the community gathered on the pavement to catch a glimpse of the royal visitor. One young girl presented her with flowers as a token of gratitude for her visit, highlighting the positive impact of her engagement with local residents and businesses.
This visit underscores Kate's commitment to celebrating cultural diversity and supporting community enterprises, while also offering a glimpse into her personal tastes and family life.
