Prince Charles begins nine-day visit Tue

On the eve of his nine-day visit to India [ Images ] beginning Tuesday, Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, has said it gives him great joy to be returning to the 'remarkable' country for which he has always had a 'particular affection.'

The highlight of the Prince's tour will be a meeting with President A P J Abdul Kalam [ Images ] and Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.
 
He will visit a number of voluntary organisations during his three-day stay in the Capital. He will also visit Rajasthan [ Images ] for four days and spend two days in Mumbai [ Images ].

Prince Charles last visited India in 1992.
 
"As a great admirer of India's rich history and architectural treasures, not to mention her religious and cultural traditions, I am very keen to highlight the important restoration and conservation work being carried out to protect this unique heritage.

"But I am also keen to see some of the latest developments in India -- and how strong links with Britain continue to grow for our mutual benefit," the Prince said commenting on his visit, according to a British High Commission release.