Reuters
 
Taxila, Pakistan, Nov 1: Britain's Prince Charles splashed out on an $8 pestle and mortar for his wife Camilla on Tuesday during a trip to a Buddhist archaeological site outside the Pakistani capital.

Having had a planned visit to Pakistan's volatile North West Frontier Province cancelled due to security concerns, the royal couple instead went to Taxila, an ancient seat of learning and Buddhist centre a short drive from Islamabad.

Charles and Camilla climbed 247 steep steps to the top of the Jaulian Stupa at the World Heritage site. As they made their way back the two royals were drawn to a handicraft stall run by Abdul Jabbar.

After scanning the ornaments and marble chess sets on display, the Duchess of Cornwall picked out the largest pestle and mortar for sale, and the Prince of Wales stepped forward to ask how much.

A happy Jabbar got the 500 rupees ($8) he asked for without any of the customary haggling, shook hands with Charles and Camilla, wrapped the gift in newspaper and handed it to an aide who paid him.

"I wanted to give the mortar and pestle as a gift but the Prince's staff insisted on paying," Jabbar told Reuters.

The royal visit is aimed at forging goodwill in a country where most of Britain's Muslim minority have relatives. The five-day visit is due to end on Friday.