By Laura Elston,
The Dalai Lama clasped hands with the Prince of Wales tonight when His Holiness and His Royal Highness met at a London reception.
As the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader arrived at the gates of Clarence House, he saluted a policeman on guard before moving quickly to greet traditional Tibetan musicians who were playing in his honour.
When Prince Charles emerged from the royal residence to welcome him the Dalai Lama grinned broadly and hurried forward.
The Prince has long been an admirer of the Dalai Lama and is said to be concerned about the situation in Tibet.
Walking side by side, the pair grasped each other’s nearest hand tightly.
The 68-year-old Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959, wore his familiar deep red robes and the men chatted to each other as they strolled towards the waiting guests.
The reception began outside in the Clarence House gardens in front of the St James’s Palace state apartments.
Attending the event were about 50 members of the Tibetan community and associated organisations, including representatives of the Free Tibet Campaign and the Tibet Society.
The Dalai Lama’s arrival was delayed when his meeting with the Foreign Secretary overran.
The Dalai Lama left Tibet and escaped to northern India more than 40 years ago and established a government in exile at Dharamsala.
More than one million people are believed to have been killed since the Chinese invaded Tibet in 1950.
China has been accused of being trying to wipe out the Buddhist faith through political and religious repression.
Charles is believed to have met the Dalai Lama twice before.
In 1991 they discussed the plight of Tibet and relations with China at an environment conference in London.
One of the Tibetan musicians performing at the reception described tonight’s meeting as very special.
Tsering Passang, 29, who lives in London, said: “The Prince is very sympathetic to us. Many Tibetans feel grateful to him.
“It’s a very special occasion when His Royal Highness meets His Holiness.”
Mr Passang was born in Nepal but his parents were exiled from Tibet.
Playing traditional instruments including a dranyen (lute) and a piwang (fiddle), the musicians performed a piece entitled the Peaceful Snow Line which was said to symbolise the peaceful nature of the Dalai Lama. Tibetan dancers also entertained the guests in the gardens.
