Charles and Camilla honoured with gifts on visit to Hindu temple
THE PRINCE OF WALES and Duchess of Cornwall experienced four religions in one day, and were honoured with luxurious silk shawls and garlands of sandalwood.
Prince Charles and Camilla waved from the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in George Town, Penang, Malaysia
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.
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.
Camilla inspected traditional costumes at the Teochew Puppet and Opera House in Penang
Prince Charles and Camilla were greeted and given garlands at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple
The silk shawls are given to Kings and Queens and we believe silk has the power to attract positive vibes
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.
"The silk shawls are given to Kings and Queens and we believe silk has the power to attract positive vibes."