Radiant Princess of Wales is mobbed by fans on visit to Leicester’s ‘Golden Mile’ and goes barefoot as she tries traditional dancing
Radiant Princess of Wales is mobbed by fans on visit to Leicester’s ‘Golden Mile’ and goes barefoot as she tries traditional dancing
The Princess of Wales was greeted in Leicester today with a vibrant display of cultural celebration, complete with choreographed performances, honking vehicles, and enthusiastic crowds eager to greet her. Her presence drew spontaneous applause and admiration from passersby, who paused to engage in a moment of camaraderie.
“Welcome to Leicester, Ma’am,” said a local shopkeeper who intercepted her outside a jeweler’s store. Meanwhile, an elder woman offered her a handcrafted blessing, a gesture of goodwill for the royal visitor.
As she walked through the bustling ‘Golden Mile,’ Kate, 44, was spotted without any road closures, a sign of the city’s seamless integration of community activities. Her attire—a white knitted dress paired with a knife pleated skirt—stood in contrast to the colorful festivities surrounding her.
Upon arriving at a community center, she was adorned with a garland of pearls and roses, a symbolic welcome that highlighted the connection between the British Indian community and local traditions. The venue, which had recently celebrated Holi, showcased the rich cultural tapestry of Leicester. A group of Bollywood dancers performed a lively routine, during which she was presented with a rose to hold. The princess praised their energy, remarking, “You must be super fit because it’s super energetic. My children would love that, they love their dancing. Louis would love your dance routine.”
Later, she joined in the traditional dance, making an offering of milk during her first visit to a Hindu temple in Britain. Barefoot, she participated in a ladies’ dance segment of the religious ceremony, responding with a cheerful “oh, go on then” when invited to take part.
A Royal Celebration of British Indian Heritage
The visit marked the Princess of Wales’s efforts to honor Leicester’s British Indian community, just a day after the Holi festival. At the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre, she met Aakash Odedra, the founder of the Aakash Odedra Company, who hosts community dance sessions there. Adorned with a floral garland, Odedra expressed his admiration, stating, “There is no better way to welcome a guest than to garnish their soul with flowers.”
Odedra, a Birmingham-born choreographer and Bollywood dancer, is celebrated for his work in Bharatanatyam and Kathak styles. He studied under Shiamak Davar, a prominent figure in Indian dance. His company, established in 2011, aims to foster a “happier and healthier society through dance and the arts.” The group has collaborated with Move Against Cancer to provide dance lessons for individuals undergoing recovery.
The princess’s recent cancer diagnosis in early 2024 has been a focus of her public appearances. After completing chemotherapy, she has gradually resumed royal engagements, including this meaningful cultural exchange in Leicester.
