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Mountain Kingdoms tour leader 'behind the royal visit' to Bhutan
Michael Rutland, who leads tours in Bhutan for Mountain Kindgoms, has played a significant role in organising the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to the Himalayan kingdom. In the absence of formal diplomatic arrangements between Bhutan and Britain, Michael’s unique position as Honorary Consul was essential in facilitating the visit.
His deep attachment to Bhutan goes back over 45 years to 1971 when he was first appointed science tutor to the 16 year old crown prince. At the time Michael was a school teacher in Oxford and had no idea where Bhutan was. Looking at a map in the Royal Geographical Society he saw that it had ‘unmapped’ written across much of it and was so intrigued he accepted the job. It’s a decision he’s never had cause to regret. In addition to being the UK’s Honorary Consul in Bhutan he is also a citizen of the country. He was awarded an OBE in 2005 for services to British-Bhutan relations and also holds the Bhutan Coronation Gold Medal.
Michael was also founder of the British-based Bhutan Society. There he became friends with our MD, Steve Berry, who was also a regular visitor to Bhutan and shared a passion for the Thunder Dragon Kingdom. As a result, Michael agreed to lead cultural tours for Mountain Kingdoms and has been doing so for many years. With his encyclopaedic knowledge and privileged insider’s view, Michael gives our clients a unique insight into the country that he proudly calls home.
Michael Rutland will again be leading our Definitive Cultural Tour of Bhutan this November. Places are extremely limited so call now to avoid disappointment. t: 01453 844400.
Take a look at the story in Reuters and listen to Michael Rutland talk about the Royal Visit on BBC radio.
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