The British High Commission in partnership with the British Asian Trust and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, hosted a glittering charity reception and dinner on Sunday 10 April for over 200 of India’s top film, sport and business figures.
As well as providing a warm welcome to Their Royal Highnesses on their first evening in India, the reception raised money for three organisations doing remarkable work with vulnerable children in Mumbai and across India– Childline India, Magic Bus and Door Step School, India.
British High Commissioner to India Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG, said:
“Their Royal Highnesses are delighted to have this opportunity to celebrate India’s notable contribution to cinema and to meet some of Mumbai’s most influential people in film, sport and business.
“The Duke and Duchess take a particular interest in initiatives that promote the welfare of disadvantaged children, helping them access education and health services. They are pleased that the funds raised at this event for these important organisations will create a small legacy of their visit to India.”
The partner organisation for the event the British Asian Trust, of which HRH The Prince of Wales is founder and President of, supports grassroots initiatives that enables disadvantaged people to help themselves and transform their lives.
Manoj Badale, Chairman, The British Asian Trust said:
“It was a series of visits made by HRH The Prince of Wales to South Asia in 2005 and 2006 that inspired the launch of The British Asian Trust and as we approach the tenth year since our launch, it is an honour to share our work with TRH The Duke and The Duchess of Cambridge, who have shown such a great interest in supporting the vulnerable children of India.”
The event was hosted and sponsored by Taj Palace Hotel, Mumbai.
Taljinder Singh, Area Director Mumbai and General Manager, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai said:
“The Taj Mahal Palace is delighted to be hosting their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge while they are in Mumbai, and to be delivering this special event. It is an absolute pleasure to be a part of the Royal Highnesses commitment to raising funds for organisations working with children, as well as to introduce them to the veterans of the Indian entertainment Industry. The hotel is working towards making their visit to India memorable by offering Taj’s legendary Indian hospitality. We at Taj look forward to hosting the Royal couple by offering the true essence of the Taj experience”
About the British Asian Trust:
Since the British Asian Trust was formed in 2007, child welfare has been a core component. Through the Trust’s collaborative approach to addressing key issues within the region, this visit offers the charity an opportunity to share some of the amazing work being undertaken by grassroots projects that they are proud to support. The charity’s work is realising the vision set out by HRH The Prince of Wales and is honoured to share this with The Duke and The Duchess of Cambridge. Their support in helping to organise the Charity Reception will help the Trust to continue raising much needed awareness of the important work taking place to safe guard the most vulnerable children in South Asia.
