Chandy undecided on birthday present for Prince Charles

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy is grappling with a unique problem -- of what to gift birthday boy Prince Charles.

Oommen Chandy and family will meet Prince Charles Thursday, his 65th birthday.

The meeting will take place at the famed popular tourist destination at Kumarakom, where Chandy spent his childhood as his mother hailed from the place.

Chandy said they will meet Prince Charles from 10.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday.

"Yes, we are giving him a present and we have kept our options open and are yet to decide on what it should be. Our people are thinking about it," Chandy told IANS.

Chandy has been advised that it should be something which Prince Charles should treasure and which would occupy a pride of place in his palace.

And when asked if there would be any discussion with Charles, Chandy said: "It's more of a courtesy call."

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived at Kochi Monday on a four-day state visit.

They will reach Kumarakom later in the day and there is no official engagement Wednesday. After their meeting with Chandy Thursday, they leave for Colombo, from Kochi.

The Kumarakom Lake Resort where the royal couple would be staying from Tuesday evening till Thursday has made elaborate arrangements and has kept a houseboat ready should they decide to take a trip on the Vembanad lake.

As many as 30 rooms have been booked by the visitors and they have brought along a chef too.

Kerala Police have made elaborate security arrangements and close to 400 police officials have taken over the security of the resort.