Kate Middleton And Prince William Struck By The Romance Of Taj Mahal

Kate Middleton and Prince William were overwhelmed by the incredible romance of Taj Mahal, as they learnt about the iconic monument during their visit to India on Saturday. The couple wrapped up their royal visit to India and Bhutan with a private tour of Taj Mahal in Agra, and appeared to be struck by the beauty of the mausoleum, sometimes also called the “monument of love.”

As they emerged from Taj Mahal, William and Kate were faced by reporters asking what the visit meant to them. “It’s a beautiful place, stunning designs in there,” said the 33-year-old prince, while Kate said: “It’s been really incredible to learn about the romance of the building, and really beautiful architecture.”

The couple posed for pictures in front of the monument. They sat on the same bench that Princess Diana famously sat on in 1992 when she visited Taj Mahal without Prince Charles. William and Kate then headed inside, where they saw the tombs of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, his wife whom he commissioned the monument for in 1631 as a symbol of his eternal love.

Kate also said that Taj Mahal was the perfect romantic place to visit just before her fifth wedding anniversary on April 29. It was revealed by their tour guide Rizwan Mohammed, 35, who was selected by the British High Commission. “She was quite happy about it,” said Rizwan, who has been working at the monument for the last 15 years.

William and Kate bid farewell to Bhutan earlier on Saturday as they boarded the flight for India. The 34-year-old royal looked stylish in a recycled cream Alexander McQueen dress, which she accessorized with a gold necklace with diamonds, a gift from Queen Jetsun of Bhutan. During the U.K.-Bhutan Reception at the Taj Tashi Hotel on Friday night, Kate gave a nod to Bhutan in a poppy-printed, elegant silk chiffon gown from Beulah.

During their daytime trek to the Tiger’s Nest monastery on Friday, William bought a bronze tiger, most probably for Prince George, and Kate bought herself a pair of gold and dark blue earrings for 500 rupees ($8).