Will Kate Middleton Wear A Designer Dress When She Comes Face To Face With Disease Riddled Poverty In India’s Slums?
Kate Middleton and Prince William’s forthcoming trip to the poverty stricken streets of Mumbai on a “working holiday” to India is obviously very exciting, but the question on everyone’s lips is — will the Duchess of Cambridge wear a designer dress when visiting the poor, or will she opt for a less glamorous option?
Kate’s choice of outfit is obviously a delicate decision. The Duchess certainly doesn’t want to alienate the people who live in the most deprived area of Mumbai by wearing an outfit which they’d have to work a lifetime to afford, but she is royalty, and must make the sort of impression which gives India’s hordes of poor people hope that there is a better life to be had somewhere.
As a commoner who married a royal, Kate is often seen the very epitome of social climbing and the living embodiment of a fierce and unconquerable will to better one’s self.
The plucky royal’s presence in the slums could definitely act as an inspiration to those who haven’t experienced a life outside of the squalid properties and appalling sanitation. Kate’s appearance would serve as a timely reminder to many that the good life is expensive but not always unattainable. It just takes a will of iron, a steely ambition, and a willingness to live off the work of others.
The Daily Mail reports that William and Kate will visit the poverty stricken streets of Mumbai made famous by Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said, “The Duke and Duchess are very much looking forward to their tours of India and Bhutan.”
“Their visit to India will be an introduction to a country that they plan to build an enduring relationship with.They will pay tribute to India’s proud history, but also are keen to understand the hopes and aspirations of young Indian people and the major role they will play in shaping the 21st century.”
Along the way they will also visit the slums of Mumbai.
“While the official tour itinerary is not yet finalized, a palace source has confirmed that the royal couple will meet with charities working in the most deprived slums.
“Kate and William will hear how organisations in India are improving the mental health of street children as well as giving them physical health checks, food and water and a safe place to stay.”
Obviously, visiting slums and seeing with your own eyes the terrible conditions in which poor people live, and experiencing up close their lack of personal grooming and just how ghastly their clothes often are is all well and good, but the one burning dilemma remains, how do they live a rich and fulfilling life without an iPhone? Sorry, wrong question — what outfit should Kate when she slums it with those who haven’t got two pennies to rub together?
The royal loving gang “can’t wait to see what Kate will be wearing on the week-long tour.”
“She’s the Queen of recycling her rave outfits – and of diplomatic dressing – so we’re expecting to see some of both during the trip.”
It’s not sure how far the “Queen of recycling” will take the art of dressing with diplomacy. After all, in Mumbai, it could mean wearing nothing but soiled rags or a well-fitted hessian sack.
It’s doubtful if Middleton will resort to such extreme measures. The experts at Hello magazine certainly don’t think so, and their money is on Saloni, a London-based brand whose founder, Saloni Lodha, was born in India.
“Our first bet is on Saloni. Just days after the royal tour was officially announced last year, Kate stepped out for the Fostering Awards wearing an $844 chic blue dress by the fashion house.
“The choice implied that Kate was already considering her tour outfits, and we wouldn’t be surprised if she recycled the exact dress – it looked stunning on the pretty brunette.
“Saloni would be the perfect choice for Kate, given its roots in both Britain and India.”
As Hello! points out, “Kate is known for championing non-designer brands,” so perhaps she’ll hit the slums wearing a two for a £5 vest/short combo from a budget warehouse.
After all, a visiting royal always makes one appreciate the finer things in life and restores a soul’s faith in the natural order of things.
[Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images]
