Today’s trek had been billed as the highlight of the Bhutan tour, a chance for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to really connect with the history and culture of this magical Kingdom and also enjoy getting back to nature. And it didn’t disappoint.
The couple looked relaxed and blissfully happy as they embarked on the six-hour round trip trek to Bhutan’s famous Tiger’s Nest monastery, which nestles on the side of a cliff face and can only by reached on foot, or by horse.
Kate wore a white blouse, skinny jeans, calf length leather boots and a leather waistcoat while William was casual in chinos, a blue shirt and walking boots. Both wore sunglasses.
William’s father Prince Charles had only made it to the halfway point when he visited Bhutan in 1998 and took the opportunity to do some watercolour painting. With the 17th century building standing 3,000ft (900m) above the valley floor the heir to the throne decided not to venture to the monastery built into a cliff face. He said at the time: “I don’t think I’m going to risk that cliff. The older I get, the more vertigo I get.” William and Kate had no such qualms.
Their path up to the Tiger’s Nest led through idyllic pine forest on the slopes of the hill and dotted along the route were piles of symbolic stones.
At the halfway point the Duke looked slightly more flushed than his wife and wiped the sweat from his brow. He laughed and said, “So far so good,” and looking around at the view said: “This is absolutely stunning”. The couple posed for a picture in front of the waiting media and William joked with the press telling them so far the walk had been “easy”.
En route the royals had stopped to talk to three trekkers from San Francisco who were returning down from the monastery, Lauren McKennan, 29, Chris Steele, 27, and Alex Willmore, 28. Ms McKennan said: “They were pretty altogether. There wasn’t a single trail of sweat. They stopped to talk to us and were absolutely charming.”
Mr Willmore added: “They asked us how long we had been here and talked about how lovely the weather was. They said how rainy it had been when they were doing the archery and how glad they were doing the trek today. We asked for a photograph they just laughed and wouldn’t do it. But they were absolutely charming, very cool, very nice. They kept on saying how beautiful it was.”
Before the Cambridges moved on, the couple, guided by the director of the national museum, Phuntesho Tashi, span a series of Buddhist prayer wheels in the picturesque spot, which followers believe absolves sins.
And when they reached a vantage point at the summit that overlooked the Tiger’s Nest monastery, Kate could not hide her excitement. “Wow, that’s amazing,” she said. While William admired the architecture: “Look at the roof, it’s cool. What a great view.”
As they started the final approach, down 1,000 steps and across a bridge over a yawning chasm, the waiting monks started a musical religious welcome.Chanting, bells, cymbals and trumpets all sounded to welcome the royal couple.
Sonam Penjor, 34, who works in the Bhutan information department said: “Prince Charles came here before but he only made it to the halfway point….Maybe the altitude affected him. I think his son and daughter-in-law wanted to beat him. They wanted to recapture his father’s memories but go further. And maybe later George and Charlotte will come to follow in their parents’ footsteps.”
The monastery, close to the city of Paro, is near the cave where Guru Padmasambhava – who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan – is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks and three days in the 8th century.
At the top of the mountain William shared his experience with reporters. “It was amazing. Beautiful scenery as you saw. With the mountains like this and the temples at the top it was just stunning to walk up there and see all the scenery and to listen to some of the history and religion of the country. It’s really important when you come on a trip like this to see some of that.”
“You said it was ‘easy’ at the half way point? Too ambitious?” a reporter asked. “I may have slightly spoken too soon'” the Prince joked. “It was a little bit cheeky on the second part definitely….My father didn’t make it to be top. So that’s something I’ll be reminding him of when I see him. It will be lovely if the children could come as well definitely.”
Kate said: “We did actually see one family up there with a small child on their front. It was very brave of them… Maybe when they’re a bit more mobile, I think.”
When asked if they were missing George and Charlotte William said: “Massively yes, of course. And we’re looking forward to seeing them. They’re in good hands.” He added that they had talked to the children many times during their trip.
After the chat they headed down to a little craft market where William bought a small bronze tiger for George for 200 rupees and Kate settled on a pair of dangly earrings in dark blue for 500 rupees. A perfect end to a perfect day.
