The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate, have been invited by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa to visit Shandur to witness the final of the Shandur Polo match on July 9 2011.
The Tourism Corporation of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa have launched this initiative with the help of Chief Minister Hoti in the hope that this visit by a high profile couple will give tourism a shot in the arm in this region.
In a letter that was released to the public, Chief Minister Hoti has recounted the trip to Chitral by Prince William's mother, Lady Diana, in 1991 and called upon the royal couple to witness a polo match in the highest polo field on earth.
“My government extends its warm greetings to Your Highnesses on Your recent wedding.
“The connection of the Royal Family of Britain with Chitral and polo goes back many years. In recent times, in 1997 the HRH Duke of Edinburgh flew into Chitral especially to witness a polo match and give away the Duke of Edinburgh cup which still adorns the reception counter of a local hotel.
“Chitral warmly welcomed HRH Princess Diana in 1991. The people of Chitral have fond memories of that day when all flights to Chitral had been cancelled due to rain, HRH Princess Diana landed in her BA 146 and arrived in the valley much to the pleasant surprise of everyone.
“I hope that Your Highnesses will be able to grace this polo cup final. It will help foster relations between our two countries and we await with anticipation your response."
