Carpet of flowers welcomes Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to India

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were covered with garlands and walked a red carpet festooned with flowers as their tour of India began in traditional Asian style.

William and Kate looked relaxed after their long-haul flight from the UK as they arrived at their exclusive Mumbai hotel.

Dubbed "WillKat" by the Indian media, the Duke wore a dark suit while the Duchess looked stunning in a red fitted top and A-line skirt - an outfit that featured an Indian-inspired motif pattern, and she finished off her look with nude stiletto heels.

As they stepped from the humid conditions of the city's waterfront into the hotel lobby, staff welcomed their royal guests with garlands made of frangipani and roses.

Workers had toiled through the night creating magnificent floral displays from marigolds to decorate the hotel, including huge umbrella-style designs and rows of immaculate flowers lining the red carpet.

During their tour the couple will experience everything from Bollywood glamour to the country's passion for cricket.

William and Kate are making their first trip to the country and over the coming days will develop a "personal relationship'' with the world's largest democracy.

Highlights of the tour will see them visit the Taj Mahal - famously visited by Diana, Princess of Wales - where the royal couple hope to create ''new memories''.