Royalty comes calling

India seems to be the flavour du jourfor visiting royals. After Prince Charles’ recent visit, comes the visitof the Queen’s first cousin, Prince Michael of Kent, and his wife, MarieChristine, along with their daughter, Lady Gabriella Windsor, andfriends.But unlike Charles’ official visit, Princess Michael(as HRH Marie Christine is known) and her family are in India “onholiday,� therefore the news low-key. In fact, were it not for theirappearances at society parties, no one would know they are intown.We caught up with the royals at a store in Mumbai, which theywere visiting before attending a lunch thrown in their honour. “I’mnot here to receive the press, we’re on holiday,� Princess Michaelexclaimed, though she was smiling. But spontaneity and grace took over, and shesaid: “I love India, we both do.�Her love affair withthe country began many years ago. “We came to India on ourhoneymoon,� she smiled. “This time our daughter is with us.�The Princess confessed to loving Indian clothing. “I’ve worn manyIndian fabrics,� she said. “Not sarees, but creations by Indiandesigners.�Asked why her daughter was not on the shoppingspree with them, the Princess’ reply was instantaneous: “She hasmany Indian friends. She’s a young girl doing young things. She’svisiting all the young places!�The Princess’ love ofhistory and art is well known she has written two historical books. Askedwhether she’s familiar with Indian culture, she laughs, “No, butI’d love to know more.�