Glasgow helicopter crash: Charles visits crash site

The Prince of Wales visits the Clutha bar in Glasgow where nine people lost their lives following a helicopter crash, as the funeral for the first victim is held

View the Original article

Prince Philip visits GCHQ's secret London listening post

Prince Philip has visited the London office of Government Communication Headquarters  Tim Walker. Edited by Richard Eden

7:30AM GMT 30 Nov 2013

View the Original article

Prince Charles visits new age health spa as birthday treat

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will be unwinding at the five-star Kumarakom Lake Resort near Cochin in India Photo: EPA 11:19AM GMT 13 Nov 2013

The Prince of Wales is enjoying an early birthday treat today as he and the Duchess of Cornwall relax at a new age health spa which bills itself as a “paradise untouched by time”.

The Prince turns 65 tomorrow, but with a hectic schedule that day, including his arrival in Sri Lanka for the start of a Commonwealth summit, he and the Duchess are taking the chance to spend a day away from the cameras.

They are unwinding at the five-star Kumarakom Lake Resort near Cochin in India, which specialises in the ancient holistic therapy of Ayurveda, described as “a way of life that is in complete harmony with nature’s ways”.

Indian newspapers reported that 30 rooms had been booked by the couple and their entourage, with 400 police officers taking over the security of the resort during their two-night stay.

The hotel’s website, in language that could have been taken from the Prince’s own book, Harmony, says Ayurveda, which means knowledge of life in Sanskrit, “seeks to maintain the perfect balance of body, mind and soul...reaching deep within, healing the very being”.

Related Articles

Prince Charles in his own words

12 Nov 2013

Prince Charles: a lifelong love of architecture

12 Nov 2013

Who’s Who in the Court of Prince Charles?

11 Nov 2013

The hotel’s spa, called the Ayurmana, employs physicians and masseurs who promise to give guests “a new lease of life”.

Among the remedies on offer are Sirodhara, which relieves stress by pouring a continuous stream of warm medicated oil over the forehead for 45 minutes.

The resort also offers Pizhichil, known as the “Royal oil bath”, in which the whole body is bathed in a stream of warm oil before a full massage which helps ease arthritis.

The Duchess, who suffers from back pain, could opt for an hour-long Patrapodala Swedam massage, used to relieve back problems by rubbing on the skin a muslin cloth containing herb leaves fried in medicated oil.

The 25-acre resort houses guests in manas, the traditional wooden homes of the Kerala district, some of which have been dismantled from their original location and rebuilt at the resort, with open-roofed bathrooms and lavatories.

The Presidential Suite is described as “the final word in luxury and the ultimate in self-indulgence”, with an infinity pool overlooking Lake Vembanad, which is home to cormorants, egrets, darters, herons, teals and migratory Siberian storks.

Guests can also choose to stay on air-conditioned houseboats on the lake, which come with personal chefs and boatmen who take guests on cruises over the lake and backwaters.

Hotel sources said a houseboat trip had been arranged for the royal couple in case they wanted to go out on the lake.

Other activities on offer include craft workshops teaching pottery, cane weaving and local cookery; yoga and meditation, and boat cruises to mangrove forests and coconut groves.

In the Ettukettu restaurant, originally a mansion built by King Marthanda Varma, the 18th century maharaja of nearby Travancore, as a gift to his martial arts tutor, diners can choose local delicacies including Syrian Christian Duck Roast and Duck Curry.

The royal couple arrived at the resort on Tuesday night, in a heavy downpour, and were given jasmine garlands by hotel staff.

The Prince and the Duchess, who have already completed seven days of official engagements in India, have another busy day tomorrow, with three engagements in Cochin before boarding a flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka, for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

When they arrive the couple will attend a reception at the British High Commission in Colombo, where the Prince is expected to be given a birthday cake, before the Prince gets down to business by meeting the country’s president.

 Prince CharlesNews »India »The Royal Family »UK News »

In politics

Prince Charles and his garden at Highgrove

Ever since he moved to Highgrove House, Prince Charles has dedicated himself to creating a beautiful, eco-friendly garden

Comments

View the Original article

Prince Charles visits shrine to Sufi saint

"The Prince of Wales views the tomb of Saint Haji Ali during a tour of the Haji Ali Mosque in Mumbai, India, on the sixth day of his official visit with the Duchess of Cornwall," itemprop

View the Original article

Princess Beatrice visits Telegraph Ski and Snowboard Show

Comments

Princess Beatrice prepared for the ski season today with a low-key visit to the Telegraph Ski and Snowboard Show in London.

The 25 year old, who is a keen skier, was given a guided tour of the event at Earls Court by Telegraph Ski and Snowboard ski skills editor Warren Smith, who offered skiing tips to her on the way round. Warren has taught the princess in Verbier, as well as her cousin, Prince Harry.

The princess, who is sixth in line to the throne, arrived with a number of minders before spending 30 minutes exploring the show. She was said to be very impressed with the indoor ski slope, where visitors of all abilities can have lessons.

Speaking to Telegraph Ski and Snowboard editor Henry Druce, she said: "Congratulations on putting on a fantastic event - you must be very proud."

Related Articles

The best family ski resorts

30 Sep 2013

The world's best ski runs

07 Oct 2013

This season's best ski festivals

31 Oct 2013

World leaders' favourite ski resorts

14 Oct 2013

Ski chairlift fails

11 Oct 2013

The best ski holidays

25 Sep 2013

Of Warren's instruction, she added: "It is inspirational to learn from someone so passionate about skiing."

The Telegraph Ski and Snowboard Show runs until Sunday, 3 November at Earls Court 2, London. For more information and to book tickets click here.

Sign up to our newsletter

Follow

View the Original article