Catherine, Princess of Wales, delighted crowds in Leicester today with a heartfelt and colorful engagement that celebrated the city’s rich British Indian heritage. On March 5, 2026, the princess made a solo visit to the Belgrave area, stepping out in a crisp white knitted dress with a knife-pleated skirt—perfectly in tune with the spirit of the recent Hindu festival of Holi, the celebration of spring, love, color, and new life.
She arrived at the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre to a warm welcome, greeted with a beautiful garland of red roses and pearls that symbolized the festival’s themes. The centre, which supports over 1,000 people each week through community programs, had hosted Holi celebrations earlier in the week. Catherine was introduced to award-winning choreographer and dancer Aakash Odedra, who runs dance sessions there. She watched an engaging performance by The Aakash Odedra Company, showcasing traditional and contemporary Indian dance styles, including Bharatanatyam and Kathak influences. The princess appeared genuinely moved, smiling and applauding as the dancers brought energy and grace to the room.
From there, she took a short walk along Belgrave Road—known locally as the Golden Mile—for its high concentration of Indian jewelry, sari, fashion boutiques, restaurants, and chai shops. The street buzzed with excitement as shoppers and residents lined up to catch a glimpse of her. Catherine waved warmly to the crowds, stopped to chat with well-wishers, and accepted printed blessings from elderly visitors. Drivers honked in greeting, and people surged forward to shake her hand or take photos, creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere that felt like a scene from a Bollywood film.
One of the highlights came when she visited family-run businesses along the Golden Mile. At Bobby’s, a beloved Indian restaurant blending traditional cuisine with modern twists, Catherine sampled chai (with a little milk but no sugar) and savory dishes like chickpeas. She admired the diverse deli counter and eyed traditional Indian sweets, noting they looked “delicious.” She even remarked that the Prince of Wales loved chocolate, adding a personal touch to the conversation. At Ladlees, a sari shop, she browsed beautiful fabrics and admired the craftsmanship on display.
The princess also surprised worshippers by joining a traditional garba dance at the Shreeji Dham Haveli Hindu Temple. Barefoot and beaming, she stepped into the circle of women, participating in the rhythmic folk dance associated with Navratri and Holi celebrations. The moment captured her joyful, approachable side, as she moved gracefully to the music and shared laughs with the group.
Throughout the day, Catherine engaged warmly with everyone she met. She told restaurant owners she was “OK with spice” and expressed appreciation for the community’s creativity and resilience. The visit highlighted Leicester’s diversity—its British Indian population has shaped the city’s culture, food, fashion, and arts scene for generations. By focusing on community organizations, dance, and family businesses, the princess emphasized themes of inclusion, heritage, and celebration.
This was Catherine’s first visit to Leicester in eight years, and her solo outing—while Prince William marked St. Piran’s Day in Cornwall—allowed her to connect personally with the people. She wore dangling earrings—a Christmas gift from William in 2022—adding a sentimental note to her elegant white ensemble, a traditional color for Holi.
Crowds remained enthusiastic from start to finish. Shoppers expressed surprise and delight at seeing her walk the street without road closures, and the energy was infectious. Photos captured her smiling, waving, and chatting, showing genuine enjoyment in the engagements.
The visit reinforced Catherine’s commitment to shining a light on diverse communities, cultural heritage, and grassroots initiatives. From watching dance performances to tasting local flavors and joining in garba, she embraced the spirit of the day with warmth and enthusiasm.
As the Princess of Wales continues her work supporting early childhood development, mental health, and community wellbeing, moments like today’s visit remind us of her approachable, compassionate style. Leicester welcomed her with open arms, and she left with smiles, garlands, and lasting memories of a vibrant, welcoming city.
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