Bangalore's status as a destination for medical tourism just got a boost with no less a personage than the Duchess of Cornwall arriving here early on Tuesday morning for week-long holistic therapy.
Camilla, wife of Prince Charles, checked in for some rejuvenation therapy at Soukya, located in Whitefield. The luxury spa draws the well-heeled from the world over for its practice of integrated medicine.
Accompanied by some friends and family members, the Princess arrived here by a British Airways flight at 4.30 a.m., sources said. She turned up at the spa around 6 a.m.
When contacted, Isaac Mathai, who runs Soukya, said the Princess was on a private visit and did not wish to interact with the media. However, he said that she might interact with journalists on the last day of her visit.
The 63-year-old Duchess will be introduced to sessions on yoga, meditation, ayurveda and other alternative forms of therapy.
It is well known that Prince Charles himself is a strong advocate of a holistic way of life. The Prince will not accompany her, though he is scheduled to visit India as an invitee of the government of India for the inauguration of the Commonwealth Games.
Preparations for the royal visit have been on for a while now. Last week, the Scotland Yard police did a recce at Soukya, vetting all the staff. They will be completely in charge of the Duchess' security during her stay here.
Dr. Mathai, who knows several members of the British royal family, has been advising Prince Charles' wife on health matters for a while now. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has also visited the spa.
