Shrabani Basu is a journalist and author whose books include the critically acclaimed For King and Another Country: Indian Soldiers on the Western Front 1914-18, Victoria & Abdul: The True Story of the Queen’s Closest Confidant, Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan, and Curry: The Story of Britain’s Favourite Dish.

Her book Victoria & Abdul has been made into a major film by Oscar nominated director Stephen Frears, starring Judi Dench and Ali Fazal. She is the founder and chair of the Noor Inayat Khan Memorial Trust, which campaigned for a memorial for the World War II heroine in London, unveiled by Princess Anne on 8 November 2012.

This event was part of Festival of Thetford & Punjab, which runs 7-15 July and marks the 125th anniversary of the death of Duleep Singh, the last Maharajah of the Punjab. The festival is a cultural celebration and an exploration of the story of Duleep Singh and his legacy.