'William to raise Tata Steel workers' woes during India tour'

LONDON: Prince William and wife Kate Middleton are expected to raise during their upcoming maiden India tour the plight of thousands of British steelworkers hit by the Tata Steel's decision of selling their loss-making plants in the UK, a media report said today.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are due to meet Indian politicians and some Indian business leaders during their stay in Delhi and Mumbai beginning Sunday, and the subject of jobs uncertainty after Tata Steel announced its plans to exit the UK last month is likely to feature among the discussions, 'Daily Express' newspaper reported.

"The future king and queen, who are in India at the request of the British Government, are aware of the need to represent the interests of British workers during their taxpayer-funded visit.

"Under (Prime Minister) David Cameron, royal tours have reflected an emphasis on commercial diplomacy and the need to win jobs and orders for British firms," the newspaper said.

It quoted royal sources as saying that the royal couple and their advisors are monitoring the situation unfolding in relation to the crisis in the British steel industry and could raise the issue with Indian officials and business leaders.

William and Kate land in Mumbai on Sunday and the sale of Tata Steel owned steelworks across the UK is set to begin on Monday with around 15,000 jobs on the line.