Princess of Wales celebrates British Indian culture during special royal engagement

Svar Nanan-Sen

By Svar Nanan-Sen


Published: 05/03/2026

- 13:33

Updated: 05/03/2026

- 13:39

Catherine popped into several family-run establishments during her walkabout in Leicester

The Princess of Wales spent today immersing herself in British Indian culture during a special trip to Leicester, timed perfectly with the Hindu celebration of Holi.

Catherine's visit to the city comes just a day after the vibrant festival marking spring, love and new beginnings.


Her first stop was meeting Aakash Odedra, a celebrated choreographer and dancer who heads up his own company in the city.

The Princess of Wales got to watch a rehearsal of his newest piece, 'Songs of the Bulbul', which brings an ancient Sufi tale to life through movement and music.

Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales spent today immersing herself in British Indian culture during a special trip to Leicester, timed perfectly with the Hindu celebration of Holi.

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GETTY

Princess of Wales

Catherine's visit to the city comes just a day after the vibrant festival marking spring, love and new beginnings.

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GETTY

It's a story about a caged songbird whose beautiful melody ends in heartbreak.

Odedra's journey to becoming one of Britain's most innovative dance artists is quite something.

Originally from Birmingham, he trained in the classical Indian styles of Bharatanatyam and Kathak before heading to India to study under Bollywood choreographer Shiamak Davar.

He set up his Leicester-based company back in 2011, driven by the belief that art should be open to everyone. These days, more than 1,000 people take part in his learning programmes each week.

Princess of Wales

After taking in the dance rehearsal, Catherine headed to Leicester's famous Golden Mile to explore the area's thriving business community.

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'Songs of the Bulbul' is a collaboration with choreographer Rani Khanam and Royal Albert Hall associate artist Ranjan, whose original score is performed live by Manchester Camerata alongside vocalist Abi Sampa.

After taking in the dance rehearsal, Catherine headed to Leicester's famous Golden Mile to explore the area's thriving business community.

The stretch is renowned for boasting one of the UK's highest concentrations of Indian jewellery shops, sari boutiques and fashion stores.

Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales popped into several family-run establishments during her walkabout, keen to discover how these local businesses play their part in supporting the wider community.

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GETTY

It's a brilliant hub for South Asian culture, packed with authentic restaurants, sweet shops and chai spots.

The Princess of Wales popped into several family-run establishments during her walkabout, keen to discover how these local businesses play their part in supporting the wider community.

It was a lovely way to round off a day dedicated to celebrating the heritage and contributions of Leicester's British Indian population.