Royals William and Kate visit Bradford restaurant MyLahore

The royal couple arrived shortly after 1.10pm in navy blue Range Rovers as small crowds made up of college students and children waving Union Jack flags watched on.

Abu Bakerhameed, public relations manager at MyLahore, had been manning the door all morning and liasing with security teams.

RELATED:

He said: "It's very exciting. We have been preparing since this has been in process. All staff have been working day and night and we've been making sure our place is sparkling clean."

The couple were greeted by restaurant CEO Asghar Ali and managing director Shakoor Ahmed with Kate's eyes lighting up at the sight of a fiery pan in the cooking area.

Kate and William's first stop in the restaurant was the kitchen where they met Bradford College apprentices specialising in cheffing and front of house.

Dawn Leak, one of the teachers leading apprenticeships, said the opportunity to meet the royals was "huge".

17-year-old Jack Johnson from Ravenscliffe, who has been on the scheme for three years, told the Telegraph & Argus: "It's wild. It's definitely different compared to what you're used to.

"I was watching them putting stuff on the grill. I've enjoyed cooking for a long time and I've always wanted to work in the kitchen.

"It shows what we can do."

The royals then went on to make mango and kulfi milkshakes under the guidance of operations director Ishfaq Farooq.

The duke and duchess chose flavours of ice cream to add to their drinks and mixed them using blenders.

William said his milkshake was "delicious" and went on to ask staff about the origin of ingredients used.

Later this afternoon, on a visit to the Khidmat Centre, the future king was asked what his perception of Bradford was at the end of his visit.

William joked: "Very good food!"

The couple joined Mr Farooq and the Muslim Women's Council at the table for a chat.

MyLahore donates meals to their Curry Circle which helps support the homeless - many of whom struggle with their mental health.

One service user, Keith Marsden, told how he arrived in Bradford homeless, jobless and "as low as you can get".

"It gave me the confidence to pick my life up again," he said.

The group's CEO Bana Gora said she is hopeful the event will boost Bradford's chances to win the 2025 city of culture bid in 2025.

She continued: "It's been amazing for Bradford.

"It's about time it was our turn.

"I think it's given that morale boost to everybody across the district."

Before leaving, the couple enjoyed a private, freshly cooked meal upstairs.

The royals were served a mixed grill, chicken and mixed veg options among other treats.