Charles and Camilla honoured with gifts on visit to Hindu temple
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have experienced four religions in one day - and were honoured with luxurious silk shawls and garlands of sandalwood.
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Charles and Camilla visited places of worship belonging to the Christian, Muslim, Chinese and Hindu communities in the Penang capital George Town as they celebrated the Malaysian city's diverse residents.
Further along the Street of Harmony, TRH arrive at Han Jiang Temple and are welcomed by a Chinese lion dance. #RoyalVisitMYpic.twitter.com/LHW9y9wcR1
-- Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) November 7, 2017
Strolling down what is colloquially known as the Street of Harmony, the royal couple walked from a mosque to the temples as backpackers and shop keepers stopped to capture the unannounced visit on their smartphones.
Drummers and other musicians led the way as they walked to the Sri Mahamariamman Hindu temple, completed in 1833, that was ornately decorated with colourful statues that were mirrored by beautiful carvings of gods inside.
Following tradition, Charles and Camilla removed their shoes and were given a brief tour of the place of worship before shimmering gold-coloured shawls were placed around their shoulders and matching garlands draped around their necks.
Preveena Balakrishnan, a local historian and Hindu, said: "We wanted to have a fragrant garland so we chose sandalwood - flower garlands will fade and die.
Built in 1801, Kapitan Keling Mosque is the oldest mosque in George Town. TRH learn about its history and architecture. #RoyalVisitMYpic.twitter.com/Nza2haLrAq
-- Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) November 7, 2017
"The silk shawls are given to kings and queens and we believe silk has the power to attract positive vibes."
TRH visit St George's Church in Penang, which has been declared as one of the 50 National Treasures of Malaysia. #RoyalVisitMYpic.twitter.com/Em4GypOqIz
-- Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) November 7, 201
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