Mumbai, Feb 3 (PTI) – Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, visited a historic British-era bunker at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai on Sunday, an official confirmed. The extensive 15,000-square-foot bunker, consisting of 13 rooms, was rediscovered in 2016 and later restored into a museum, Raj Bhavan Public Relations Officer Umesh Kashikar stated.
During his visit, Prince Edward met with Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan and explored several historically significant sites within the Raj Bhavan premises. His tour commenced at the Raj Bhavan lawn, which offers a scenic view of the sea and was notably the venue for a reception hosted in 1980 in honor of his elder brother, then Prince of Wales, now King Charles III.
The Duke also toured the prestigious 'Jal Lakshan' VIP guest house, traditionally reserved for India's President and Prime Minister. This same guest house had once welcomed Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, during their visit to Mumbai in 1961.
Accompanied by Governor’s Principal Secretary Pravin Darade and PRO Umesh Kashikar, Prince Edward explored the historic ‘Jal Kiran’ guest house and the ‘Jal Vihar’ state banquet hall. The Raj Bhavan complex, originally known as the 'Government House' of Bombay during the pre-independence era, later became the official residence of the Governor of Bombay State. Following the formation of Maharashtra, it was officially designated as the Raj Bhavan of Maharashtra.
Prince Edward’s visit to these historical landmarks underscores the enduring ties between India and the British royal family.
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