93-year-old Mumbai restaurant owner finally gets to meet Will and Kate
Boman Kohinoor had featured in a video in which he held up a sign that read #WillKatMeetMe that instantly went viral on social media.
Boman Kohinoor’s dream finally came true when Prince William and Kate Middleton took time out to meet him on their first day in Mumbai. The royal couple invited the 93-year-old owner of the iconic Mumbai restaurant Britannia for a special meeting last evening at the Taj hotel.
We finally have the answer to #WillKatMeetMe? Chef Concierge Satish brought Mr. Kohinoor to meet TRHs. @CNTIndia pic.twitter.com/wci4ILLCBT
— The Taj Mahal Palace (@TajMahalMumbai) April 11, 2016
His desire to meet the couple had gained traction online after Conde Nast Traveller featured Kohinoor in a video in which he held up a sign that read #WillKatMeetMe. The hashtag quickly went viral on social media with many people including celebrities retweeting so that his wish could come true.
https://t.co/q7kSEtL702 and just to add to that I hope this landmark and sweet old man is recognised by TRHS! @CNTIndia
— Sonam Kapoor (@sonamakapoor) April 9, 2016
Kohinoor’s café, Britannia, Mumbai’s most famous Parsi café displays a large framed photograph of Queen Elizabeth and even a giant cardboard cut-out of a grinning William and Kate, their arms linked. In the past, Kohinoor had also been in the news for having written regular letters to Queen Elizabeth over the years and even received a reply from one of her representatives at Windsor Castle, an official royal residence.
"I met Their Royal Highnesses this evening at the Taj. They were very kind and asked me about my restaurant and my favourite dishes there," Mr Kohinoor told Conde Nast Traveller. "I told them: give my love to the Queen, and to [your] children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, too. I wish I had more time to speak, but I'm thankful for this opportunity," he added.
Here's the viral video that helped Boman Kohinoor to finally get to meet Prince William and Kate:
Will the Royal family visit Britannia?When the British left #India, they left their biggest, and maybe oldest, fan behind. Boman Kohinoor, 93, is the owner of the iconic Britannia restaurant in #Mumbai. Ahead of the the Royal couple's visit, he hopes his favourite family will give him the honour of hosting them. He promises that the famous berry pulav will be on the menu. Take our word for it—this is a meal worth travelling for. Will they or won't they? Do your bit. Spread the word. Make this dream come true! #WillKat #WillKatMeetMe #RoyalVisitIndia Prince William And Kate Middleton
Posted by Condé Nast Traveller India on Thursday, 7 April 2016