Royal Couple Visit: Prince William and Kate Middleton head to Bhutan

In the afternoon, they will travel to the beautiful Thimphu Dzong where they will take part in a Chipdrel, a traditional welcome procession, complete with music, ceremonial dress, and plenty of colour.

Thimphu (Bhutan), Apr.14: The Duke and Duchess flew to to Bhutan on Thursday. On arrival at Paro airport, The Duke and Duchess will immediately get a sense of the beauty of this mountainous country. They will be welcomed by senior state representatives before departing for a scenic drive to the capital city of Thimphu. (Read: Royal Couple Visit: Agra gears up for visit by Prince William and Kate Middleton)

In the afternoon, they will travel to the beautiful Thimphu Dzong where they will take part in a Chipdrel, a traditional welcome procession, complete with music, ceremonial dress, and plenty of colour. Inside the Dzong, they will have a private audience with The King and Queen. Their Majesties will then lead The Duke and Duchess across the Dzong’s vast courtyard, which will be beautifully decorated, across to a temple where they will receive a brief blessing and will light butter lamps.

The Duke and Duchess will then say goodbye to The King and Queen for the afternoon before heading to Thimphu’s open-air archery venue, located in the heart of the small city. Their Royal Highnesses will see first-hand Bhutan’s awe-inspiring national sport, where archers must aim at very small, brightly decorated wooden targets positioned 145 metres away from where they are standing.

The Duke and Duchess will also have the opportunity to meet young people from local schools and NGOs and see other traditional games. Today evening The Duke and Duchess will have a private dinner with The King and Queen at Lingkana Palace.