On Monday, the new British Deputy High Commissioner to Chennai, Halima Holland, paid a visit to the Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, at his ancestral residence, Amir Mahal. Accompanying her was the Deputy Head of Mission, Ms. Shalini Medepalli.

During the visit, the dignitaries exchanged warm pleasantries and reflected on the deep-rooted historical ties between the British Royal families and the Nawabs of the Carnatic, as well as the Princes of Arcot, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The Prince expressed his optimism for the future, noting, “We hope that the Indo-UK bilateral relationship will continue to grow from strength to strength in the coming years.”

One of the highlights of the visit was a rare display of historic letters exchanged between King George III of Great Britain and the Nawabs of the Carnatic during the 17th and 18th centuries. The guests were delighted to view these significant pieces of history.

Present at the gathering were Begum Sayeeda Abdul Ali, Nawabzada Mohammed Asif Ali, and his wife, Seema Ahmed. To mark the occasion, the Prince offered tea and presented the visiting envoy with a shawl and a commemorative memento.