Meghan Markle and Prince Harry return from their week-long trip to Africa today, following a whirlwind visit around the southern and central portions of the continent. During their time there, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex highlighted problems faced by people in South Africa, Malawi, Angola and Botswana. Now Harry’s brother Prince William will do the same, accompanied by Kate, Duchess of Cambridge on a state visit to Pakistan.

Prince William and Kate Middleton will be the next cook to represent the Royal Family abroad, as they travel to Pakistan.

Kensington Palace announced they would travel to the country earlier this year, the first royals to do so since 2006.

While there, they will be acting on the interests of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Pakistani officials have welcomed news of the visit.

When are Kate and William going to Pakistan?

The official visit is due to take place in less than two weeks, as the Duke and Duchess arrive in Pakistan on October 14.

They will remain in the country for four days, before leaving on October 18.

Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, High Commissioner for Pakistan to the United Kingdom, said the trip would “strengthen” historical links between England and Pakistan.

In a statement, he said: “The Government and the people of Pakistan warmly welcome the announcement of the Royal Visit by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Pakistan this year.”

He added the trip was “reflection of the importance the United Kingdom attaches to its relations with Pakistan.

“The two countries enjoy historical links which both sides wish to strengthen further.”

Kensington Palace is yet to reveal what the couple will be doing while on the trip, but said details it would release details in “due course”.

William and Kate’s visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in Pakistan, as India recently revoked the special status of Kashmir, a territory at the centre of ownership debates between the two countries.

India’s governing party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) revoked Article 370 – which had guaranteed Kashmir’s autonomy for more than 70 years – throwing the hotly contested territory into turmoil.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk said the FCO would closely monitor the situation.

He said: “Clearly the situation arising from India’s recent revoking of the special status of the disputed region of Kashmir, which is administered by India, will be monitored closely by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and its evaluation of how events proceed will obviously determine whether the visit goes ahead.”

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