His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales sent a message to Victoria

 His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has recorded a message to the people of Victoria in light of the current public health situation.

"We saw that enduring spirit of Aussie ‘mateship’"

A speech by HRH The Prince of Wales at a Reception and Dinner for the Australian Bushfires Appeal

The Prince of Wales is attending a dinner in aid of the Australian bushfire relief and recovery effort, hosted by The Lord Mayor of the Ccity of London. 

If I may say so ladies and gentlemen, it is particularly heart-warming to see so many of you gathered here this evening, and to know how determined you are to help those who were so cruelly affected by the catastrophic bushfires in Australia recently.  I was most touched to have been invited to join you for this occasion and to have an opportunity to express, once again, just how much my family and I care about what I can only imagine must have seemed like an apocalyptic vision of Hell that the Australian people have been through over these past, desperately trying, few months. 

Like all of you, I was profoundly shocked by the extent and intensity of the fires which swept Australia this Summer.  They affected an area, as you’ll know better than I, larger than Scotland, and even the most seasoned firefighters were taken aback by their ferocity.  These terrifying fires robbed people of their lives, their loved ones, and their property; driving them from their homes while, at the same time, wreaking untold devastation on Australia’s unique and precious wildlife.  The scale of the loss is as appalling as it is heart-breaking and it is dreadful to think of the suffering that so many Australians have had to endure. 

I must say, I was deeply moved by the letters my family and I received from Australians describing the dreadful scenes they witnessed.  One lady from New South Wales described how, driving through the Snowy Mountains near Canberra, she saw: “Hundreds and hundreds of miles of burnt trees – utter devastation everywhere. The one thing that I noticed” she went on, “was the silence… no birdsong of any type.  My heart was broken at the sights we saw while driving through each small hamlet.”

Amidst the horror and the sorrow, I have, above all, felt the greatest possible sense of admiration for the extraordinary determination and resilience of the Australian people.  The manner in which firefighters and other emergency services, as well as countless thousands of volunteers, in their own unique, Antipodean way, have risked their lives to defend neighbour and stranger alike, represents, it seems to me, the very essence of the Australian character.

At times we saw that enduring spirit of Aussie ‘mateship’ tested by exhaustion, by the greatest pressure and by the gravest danger.  It is not surprising that the firies’ helmet now stands alongside the diggers’ slouch hat as a powerful symbol of the courage, resilience and generosity for which Australians are renowned.   At the very worst of times, we saw the very best of Australia – and knowing the Aussies, as I do after fifty-four years, that makes me very proud.

The dividend of that remarkable resilience is already clear.  I have read such heartening reports of recovery in so many of the fire-affected communities; and I have been greatly encouraged by plans to restore some of the precious habitats that have been lost and by the fact that the Australian Government has provided $2 billion to the National Bushfire Recovery Fund to kick-start recovery and rebuilding, and to help communities and businesses get back on their feet. 

However, the overriding, fundamental challenge remains.  Tragically and terrifyingly, these bushfires are becoming ever more frequent and more fierce as temperatures rise, breaking records even in Australia’s capital cities, with a truly alarming 48.9°c in the Sydney suburb of Penrith in early January, just as we saw 46.6°c in Adelaide last year.  Longer, hotter, drier summers are the new reality with which Australia must contend.  And so, while we pray that the devastation of this past bushfire season will not be seen again, we must, it troubles me to say, be prepared that it may be very likely repeated and that the resilience of the Australian people will continue to be tested in an unprecedented way… 

Through all of this, I can only hope that Australians are able to draw strength from knowing just how much so many people around the world care about their situation.  Thoughts and prayers are important, of course, but they only go so far: it has mattered even more that so many friends of Australia, particularly here in the United Kingdom, have been so generous in donating to charities and bushfire recovery causes.

My Prince’s Trust Australia is playing its own small part by working with a range of stakeholders including the Kangaroo Island Council, and Shane Fitzsimmons, Commissioner of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, on a medium and long-term response to the bushfires.  This includes helping with the design and rebuilding of a community centre in South Australia which, I hope, might offer a useful blueprint for other communities working so hard to rebuild. 

I do know, Ladies and Gentlemen, just how much each of you is doing to support those Australian communities as they recover from the bushfires or, indeed, as we are discovering with ever-greater extremes in weather patterns,  those who are now having to contend with serious flooding.  I am sure that tonight’s dinner will make a very significant contribution to all these efforts. 

Now, I am only too aware that so many of you feel the same deep affection for Australia and her people that I have always felt, and which is now etched into my sub-conscious.  And so I can only thank you again ladies and gentlemen, for your tremendous generosity and for the friendship and solidarity you have shown to those who have borne so much.

Message from HRH The Prince of Wales to the people of Australia

Her Majesty The Queen has sent a message of condolence to the Governor General of Australia, Governor of New South Wales, Governor of Queensland, and Governor of Victoria and to all Australians.

The Queen and three future Kings

The Queen is celebrating the start of the new year with a new portrait of herself and her three heirs.

The photograph of Her Majesty alongside the Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge and Prince George was taken in Buckingham Palace's throne room shortly before Christmas.

The Queen stands at the front of the new image in a white dress accessorised with a blue brooch and holding one of her iconic handbags.

Prince George, in tartan trousers and a white shirt, and Prince Charles - in a navy pinstripe suit - are stood together on a red-carpeted step.

Prince William stands behind his father, son and grandmother, smiling at the back of the picture in a dark suit and navy blue tie.

This is only the second time that a portrait of all four royals together has been issued.

A portrait in 2016 of The Queen and her three heirs

The first was released in April 2016 to mark the Queen's 90th birthday, with the picture then printed on commemorative stamps.

The youngest royal's elevated position in the new portrait is reminiscent of the 2016 photo, when then-two-year-old Prince George stood next to his great-grandmother on a blue and black step, holding the hand of his father, Prince William.

Archbishop of Canterbury's speech for HRH The Prince of Wales's 50th anniversary

Speech by Archbishop Justin Welby at the Buckingham Palace reception on 5th March 2019 marking the 50th Anniversary of the Investiture of Prince Charles as HRH The Prince of Wales. 

Your Majesty, Your Royal Highnesses, Your Excellencies, Prime Minister, First Minister, My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

“Ich Dien”, I serve, is in the present tense. It is a present continuous, a duty that goes on. As His Royal Highness says there is always more to do. 

But it is much more, for it is also a statement of character, and the more exalted the role, the more demand there is on the character. 

When you are second in the land, to serve is not automatic, human nature relishes leisure and privilege: serving requires discipline, values, a moral drive that sees service as virtue. 

Never in the history of the role can there have been such dedicated service, such honourable fulfilling of the promise at the Investiture, "I, Charles, Prince of Wales, do become your liege man of life and limb and of earthly worship, and faith and truth I bear unto you, to live and die against all manner of folks."

Service was in the oath, and service has marked the 50 years, service often publicly unnoticed, unseen. 

A role has been imagined and developed, different to that of the Sovereign, probing, asking, suggesting and prompting, yet always in the service of Crown and country, under God. 

The character required includes the rare gift of humility, of accepting advice, of knowing limits. It requires perseverance, because service may become wearisome, and the self seeks to push forward.
This Prince of Wales has guarded the sacred duty of service and kept the fire, not only alight but burning more brightly with the passing years. 

Prince Charles' charity organisation is also active in Australia following the Motto:To deliver social impact, by transforming lives and building sustainablecommunities in Australia.

Service requires character, but issues in actions. There is not time, there could not be time to list the actions, they are too numerous. 

From service to young people and those caught in poverty, a prophetic voice on the environment, proved by time and events, concern for all who serve our country from the armed forces to the police, compassion for the suffering and humour with the brave and rejoicing, the list goes on and on. The Investiture was unique. Seldom can a coming-of-age have had such a setting; seldom can the weight of expectation have been so great. 

In years since then, we have seen how the honour of being granted that title has been richly repaid – in The Prince of Wales’s love for the country whose name he bears, and in the deep respect he has always shown for the land, for the language, and most of all, of course, for the people. 

As we look to the future, on behalf of all here and so many across these Islands, the Commonwealth and around the world, I express gratitude for your tireless work, and heartfelt appreciation for all that you, with the wonderful support of The Duchess of Cornwall, have done, are doing, and will do. 

May the grace with which you have fulfilled your present duties to these countries, to the Commonwealth and the international family of nations, help you to bring even greater honour to your future service in the years to come.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will visit Caribbean Commonwealth Realms

17th March – 29th March 2019

• Their Royal Highnesses will visit six countries and one Overseas Territory, undertaking over fifty engagements across ten islands.

• This will be the first official visit by a member of The Royal Family to Cuba.

Their Royal Highnesses' visit to St Lucia, Barbados, St Vincent and The Grenadines, St Kitts and Nevis and Grenada will celebrate the Monarchy’s relationship with these Commonwealth Realms. Furthermore, at the request of the British Government, Their Royal Highnesses will fly to Cuba. Their Royal Highnesses will also visit the British Overseas Territory of The Cayman Islands to celebrate its place within the British family.

The tour will begin in St Lucia on 17th March, where The Prince of Wales will be guest of honour at an event to mark the country’s 40th anniversary of Independence, following a welcome to the island by The Governor General and The Prime Minister. The Prince of Wales will later attend a reception for guests from across the island.

On Tuesday 19th Their Royal Highnesses will undertake a number of engagements in Barbados including a parade and wreath laying at The Cenotaph in Bridgetown. His Royal Highness will then have the chance to visit the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere, which was recently restored with the help of The Barbados National Trust. The Prince will attend a demonstration on the island’s hurricane preparedness mechanisms and meet teams involved in responding to recent natural disasters across the region. His Royal Highness will also learn more about the work that The Prince’s Trust International has been doing locally.

The Duchess, who is President of the Women of the World Festival, will attend an event for Barbadian women of influence. The Women of the World festival (WOW) is a global festival movement to celebrate and encourage women and girls to overcome inequality. Her Royal Highness will also join a Commonwealth Big Lunch, and visit a diabetes clinic, before joining His Royal Highness for a meeting and reception at The Prime Minister’s residence.

Their Royal Highnesses will visit St Vincent and the Grenadines on 20th March, where key themes in the programme will include youth opportunity and female empowerment, as well as the preservation of the islands’ natural environment. Her Royal Highness will visit the St Vincent and Grenadines Community College and St Vincent Girls’ High School, where pupils have been busy creating their entries for The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.

On Thursday 21st March, The Prince and The Duchess will visit both parts of the dual-island nation of St Kitts and Nevis and will undertake a programme that will demonstrate the country’s commitment to heritage restoration, the environment and local culture.  The Prince of Wales will also have the chance to return to The Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that he last visited in 1973. The Prince will learn more about the history of the fortress, the restoration work that has been undertaken there, and attend a showcase of local culture, dance and music. Their Royal Highnesses will also attend receptions on both islands for members of the community, featuring local music and culture.

The Prince and The Duchess will visit Grenada on the 23rd March where Their Royal Highnesses will learn more about local agriculture and the importance and history of cocoa and spice production on the island. The Prince of Wales will attend a meeting on the importance of the blue economy and meet organisations involved in marine protection and conservation.

Their Royal Highnesses will arrive in Cuba on Sunday 24th where, after an official welcome, they will commence their visit to the country with a wreath laying at the Memorial of Cuba’s national hero – the essayist and poet– José Martí. The Prince and The Duchess’ visit will highlight cultural and academic connections, links between the people of the U.K. and Cuba, and explore key themes, such as the arts, youth entrepreneurship, heritage restoration and sustainable agriculture.

On Monday 25th March, Their Royal Highnesses will undertake a varied programme in Havana including a joint visit to a community and arts centre. His Royal Highness will also be able to meet some of Cuba’s young entrepreneurs at an event in central Havana. That evening, The President of Cuba will officially welcome Their Royal Highnesses before hosting an official dinner.

On their second day of engagements in Havana Their Royal Highnesses will have the chance to meet a group of owners of British classic cars and pay a visit to a Cuban music recording studio. Their Royal Highnesses will also visit one of the country’s leading dance studios and The Prince of Wales will travel out of Havana to learn more about renewable energy and organic farming in Cuba. Their Royal Highnesses will later attend a reception hosted by the British Ambassador.

Their Royal Highnesses’ visit to Cuba will end on Wednesday 27th March. The Prince will visit Cuba’s south coast to learn more about the country’s flora and fauna. His Royal Highness will also attend a roundtable discussion on environmental conservation, whilst Her Royal Highness will visit an equestrian centre helping students from primary school level through to the country’s National team. Her Royal Highness will also attend a roundtable to discuss the work being done to help those affected by domestic violence.

The Prince and The Duchess will arrive in The Cayman Islands later that day, officially opening the new airport upon arrival. Their Royal Highnesses will attend a meeting with The Premier and The Governor.

His Royal Highness will be visiting all three of the Cayman Islands, and will meet members of the local communities from each island and attend a series of engagements focusing on sustainability and marine conservation. The Duchess will visit a crisis centre for young people and their families who have been affected by domestic abuse, as well as a new hospice providing end of life palliative care for those in need. Her Royal Highness will also attend a cultural performance at a local primary school.

The Prince of Wales will have the chance to meet hurricane relief personnel based on the islands.

The Prince of Wales celebrates his 69th birthday

When Charles Philip Arthur George Windsor was born on 14th November 1948 the water in Trafalgar Square’s fountains was coloured blue. Since then a lot of water has flown down the river Thames, but he has steadily prepared to ascend to the throne of the United Kingdom and the other realms and territories of the Commonwealth that still enjoy the advantages of a Constitutional Monarchy.

As good as it is possible, The Prince of Wales supports Australian causes, for example the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) whose Patron Prince Charles is, bringing global attention to the plight of Australia’s threatened wildlife: "His lifelong record of supporting conservation plays a vital role in raising awareness of the need for decisive, practical action to protect Australia’s threatened wildlife.

"Australia is home to more biodiversity than any other developed nation, reflecting both the extraordinary diversity of species in Australia and the fact that a very high proportion are found nowhere else on Earth. Sadly, however, we now have the planet’s worst mammal extinction rate and nearly 2,000 surviving plants and animals are on the national threatened species list.

"As Patron, Prince Charles helps highlight and promote the globally significant efforts of AWC to halt and reverse the tide of extinctions in Australia. His Royal Highness is committed to conservation and is keen to help to preserve iconic species like the Greater Bilby for generations to come.

"Prince Charles has a long history of involvement and interest in environment, sustainability and conservation including through a range of organisations of which he is Patron and his own Charitable Foundation. In Australia, the Prince has established The Prince’s Charities Australia and is Patron of a number of charitable organisations." www.princescharitiesaustralia.org.au

The Prince’s Trust Australia partners and collaborates with highly regarded Australian organisations to enable evidence-based programs to be delivered efficiently and effectively at both a local and national level. This includes identifying or creating programs to address specific social challenges, brokering partner relationships, and providing financial support to our partnership programs.

The Prince’s Trust Australia has a number of project areas across the following categories:

DEFENCE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES

The Prince’s Trust Australia established The Prince’s Lead Your Own Business (P.L.Y.O.B) program to support transitioning Australian Defence members to develop and grow their own small business. Designed to provide individualized, flexible learning support from our education provider R.M.I.T. University and tailored, comprehensive mentoring with selected partner organisations, the P.L.Y.O.B. program typically assists participants for 12 to 18 months.

The program is underpinned by a nationally accredited Certificate IV in Small Business Management and builds upon the resilience, self-discipline and commitment to excellence developed and matured with the A.D.F. The program is also supported by an Advisory Council, chaired by His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley A.C. D.S.C. (Ret’d), the Governor of New South Wales. To date, 65 A.D.F. personnel from across Australia have participated in the P.L.Y.O.B. program. The Prince’s Trust Australia welcomes applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

P.T.A. partners with the E.O.N. Foundation as a supporter and advocate helping raise awareness of E.O.N.’s Thriving Communities Program for remote Indigenous communities and schools. Based in Western Australia, E.O.N.’s Thriving Communities Program is an early intervention, nutrition-based healthy lifestyle and disease prevention program focused on young Indigenous Australians and their families.

P.T.A. also works in partnership with Phoenix Australia – Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, leading an international consortium of mental health researchers to develop a ground-breaking evidence-based recovery program for survivors of natural and man-made disasters. Known as interPAR, this new program will allow communities, health services, and governments to access a recovery tool kit at any time, and at no cost, to reduce distress and improve the quality of life of survivors.

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

Guided by His Royal Highness’ leadership in environmental sustainability, P.T.A. is currently working with Greenfleet Australia and The Walt Disney Company to create a community activation program with global reach. This “Low Glow” campaign works to support the endangered Loggerhead turtle in Bundaberg, home to more than 50% of all nesting Loggerhead turtles in the South Pacific Ocean.

P.T.A. is also a founding partner of the Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, a new platform empowering the global community to commit to working together to save one of the world’s most important natural assets and is working with The Reef Alliance recognizing exemplary efforts to raise awareness, foster knowledge-sharing, and engage local communities in sustainable natural resource management to protect and preserve the Great Barrier Reef through The Prince of Wales Environmental Leadership – Reef Sustainability Award.

THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Working in partnership with Defence Housing Australia and S.A. Renewal, P.T.A. has developed Australia’s first six-star green star rated residential building in Bowden, South Australia. The Princes Terrace Adelaide merges good design with sustainable building practices, attesting to its commercial viability and the benefits of mixed-use development, while paying homage to and reflecting local heritage. The Terrace is due for completion in November 2017.

YOUNG PEOPLE

Over the past 10 years, The Prince’s Trust in the U.K. has supported more than 18,000 young people through the Get Into program, working with employers across a variety of sectors, including hospitality, retail, construction and logistics.

The Get Into program supports young people to develop sector-specific skills to help them secure long-term employment. The Prince’s Trust Australia is working with Adelaide-based not-for-profit S.Y.C. to roll-out the Get Into program across the country after a highly successful pilot program in early 2017.

RURAL AND REGIONAL

The Prince’s Trust Australia has partnered with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (F.R.R.R.) on a pilot program seeking to establish a road-tested model of community-led disaster preparedness. The Disaster Resilient: Future Ready project engages current research, local communities and stakeholders to develop and test the framework, indicators, tools and assets to better prepare communities with place-based, sustainable processes.

ARTS AND CULTURE

In 2015, the British Museum and National Museum Australia (N.M.A.) presented the Encounters exhibition, a ground-breaking collection of rare Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander objects representing the living cultural traditions of Australia’s first peoples.

The Encounters Indigenous Cultural Workers Fellowship Program was created in response to the Encounters exhibition. Delivered in partnership with the N.M.A. every two years, the inaugural 2016 Fellowship enabled six Indigenous cultural workers from regional and remote communities to travel across Australia and the United Kingdom as part of an intensive three-month international fellowship to develop cultural, creative or heritage sector skills and capabilities.


The Prince's Trust Australia
Level 24, 101 Collins St
Melbourne VIC 3000

info@princes-trust.org.au

Happy 70th Birthday, Your Royal Highness

To mark HRH The Duchess of Cornwall's 70th Birthday, Clarence House has released this new portrait, taken by @MarioTestino

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall turns 70 today and instead of celebrating her own birthday it is announced she is to take on a new patronage championing older people. In addition to some 90 charities and organisations she already represents, the Duchess will lend her experience to a helpline to combat loneliness in older age. She joins the Prince of Wales in becoming an influential voice for older people, after he last week spoke out for the forgotten would-be workers aged over 50 who struggle unnoticed to find employment.

They were photographed by Mario Testino in the morning room at Clarence House during a shoot in May, looking relaxed and happy as they smile for the camera side-by-side. The Duchess is captured for posterity in a navy blue dress coat with white embroidery by Fiona Clare, while the Prince wears a coordinating dark blue suit, shirt and tie. Testino paid tribute to the Duchess, describing her as “a kind and beautiful person with a wonderful sense of humour” after working with her again.

In November 2012 the royal couple paid a visit to The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in Southbank, Melbourne.

Clarence House hosted a garden reception to acknowledge those the Duchess works with, from former Royal household staff to charity leaders. A fellow party guest Dame Esther Rantzen has announced the Duchess is to be patron of her charity The Silver Line, with her 70th birthday placing her in the perfect position to help.

The Prince, too, has recently used his platform to speak up for older people, presenting awards to entrepreneurs over 50 during a visit to Wales last week. Speaking at Prime Cymru, the Prince’s initiative for “mature enterprise”, he told an audience that the difficulties faced by older workers are too often forgotten.

Though most women her age have long retired, there is no expectation in Royal circles that the Duchess will change her workload following the landmark birthday, continuing charity work in areas including children’s literacy, women’s empowerment and cancer care.

Her portfolio of charities will remain around the same size in the foreseeable future, a Royal source confirmed, with no sense of slowing down as she aids the Prince in his public duties. Both will join the wider Royal family in supporting the Queen and representing her in public engagements as the Duke of Edinburgh retires in the autumn.

Monarchs in solidarity with New Zealand

The Queen of New Zealand sent the following message to the Governor-General of New Zealand, following the earthquakes in New Zealand:

Prince Philip and I were shocked to hear news of the severe earthquakes that struck on Monday. I send my condolences to the families of those who were killed and to the people whose homes and businesses have been affected.

Our thoughts are with you at this time.

ELIZABETH R.

A message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

A message from HRH The Prince of Wales sent to Dame Patsy Reddy following this week's North Canterbury earthquake.

Her Excelleny, The Governor-General of New Zealand The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy tweeted:

"This morning I received a phone call from King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands expressing concern and heartfelt condolences on behalf of himself and Queen Maxima to all New Zealanders who have been affected by the earthquakes centred in the Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs area.

"Their Majesties visited Government House last week for an Official Welcome and a State Dinner, before flying to Christchurch where they toured the areas under reconstruction from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. They also met earthquake survivors and heard about the physical and emotional impact the earthquakes have had on their lives. As a consequence of their recent trip and experiences, His Majesty said they both felt very connected to the suffering of those impacted by the recent quakes and asked that I forward to them their very best wishes and sympathy."

Royal Condolences

Queen Elizabeth II :

“Prince Philip and I have been deeply shocked and saddened by the terrible loss of life in Paris. We send our most sincere condolences to you, the families of those who have died and the French people.”


King Philippe I of the Belgians :


“Shocked by attacks in Paris, Belgium is in solidarity with French people. Courage to the people directly affected by these heinous acts.”

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands

“I am deeply shocked by the attacks last night in Paris. The Netherlands feels connected closely with France. We mourn with the people of France to the victims. With the French people, we remain steadfastly defend freedom against those who try to undermine her with terror. The values of freedom and solidarity, we never price. Our thoughts are with all those who now have intense grief at the loss of their loved ones and all the victims of these cowardly attacks.”

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark

King Harald V of Norway

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden

King Felipe VI. of Spain

Mr President,

In these moments of pain, want to send all the closeness, solidarity and support on behalf of the Government and the Spanish people as well as to express firm condemnation against terrorist barbarity and the cruel and inhuman injustice of those who undermine the principles and fundamental values underpinning our coexistence and our democracies.

Next to the Queen, I want to also express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and our desire for a speedy recovery of the injured. The Spaniards are today more than ever, next to the French in the determination, commitment and unity which allows to overcome challenges of terrorist violence.


Prince Albert II. of Monaco :

“Mr President.

The attacks that come from strike Paris at the heart, numb us.

My country shares the sorrow and the terror of the friendly France, bruised by these terrorist crimes.

With respect and a huge emotion, we bow before the memory of so many victims and the indescribable pain of their families.

Our thoughts are also all persons injured in their flesh by these wild acts.

On my own behalf, on behalf of my family and the people of Monaco, I want to assure you of our deep and real solidarity, in union with all those who are mobilizing against the scourge of terrorism.

Alongside of the French Republic, we know that it will not prevail.

Please accept, Mr. President of the French Republic, the assurance of my highest consideration.”


Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg :

“Mr. President,

It is with horror and consternation that not have seen images of the attacks in Paris.

The Grand Duchess and I assure you together with the people of Luxembourg to share our great compassion for the victims and their families.

We express our total solidarity in misfortune that hits the France.”


King Mohammed VI of Morocco :


“Mr. President,

I offer my most saddened condolences to you, to the innocent victims’ families and to the entire French people as well as my earnest wishes of prompt recovery to the wounded.

I would like to condemn in the strongest terms on behalf of the Moroccan people and in my own name these vile terrorist acts and express our full solidarity and support in this ordeal.”







The political French party that supports a return of the Monarchy in France Alliance Royale issued a statement:

Les attentats du 13 novembre: communiqué du délégué général
La vraie force viendra de notre courage à défendre ce que nous sommes en s’adossant à ce qui nous reste de meilleur: notre héritage. Car notre pire ennemi est notre reniement.

Shah Reza II of Iran

Thousands of Sydneysiders welcomed the royal couple

A pop star receiption for Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall spent a day in Sydney, and were welcomed to the city by thousands of well-wishers.

Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla’s visits in Sydney began at the New South Wales Mounted Police, the oldest continuous Mounted Police unit in the world.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visited the New South Wales state mounted police headquarters.

Their Royal Highnesses watched a display of horsemanship and training for crowd control by officers from the unit before the riders came forward on their horses to meet the Royal visitors.

The Duchess of Cornwall then visited the Sydney headquarters of OzHarvest, an organisation which provides charities who feed those in need with unwanted produce from restaurants and other food outlets.

The Duchess at OzHarvest

Her Royal Highness toured the building and met Chrissy Mulyneux in the preparation kitchen who was making mouth-watering bread and butter pudding with dried apricots and raisins. Now in its 11th year of operations, OzHarvest has more than 30 vehicles on the road operating across Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Melbourne, Newcastle and Perth.

Meanwhile, The Prince of Wales attended the Psychological Recovery Following Community Disaster Roundtable event.The roundtable was held at the Macquarie Group Building and attendees included CEO of Macquarie Group, Nicolas Moore, Chairman of The Prince’s Charities Australia, Tony Beddison, and the Chief Executive of The Prince’s Charities Australia, Janine Kirk.

During the meeting, His Royal Highness and those in attendance discussed psychological recovery following man-made or natural disasters. The Prince also met front line responders, including serving and former military personnel, and disaster survivors.

In the afternoon, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall were welcomed to Government House for a reception to celebrate the work of Australians who have made a difference to their local communities and the nation. TRH were greeted with a ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony, performed by Uncle Chicka Madden, Gadigal Elder. These ceremonies are given at special occasions as a mark of respect.

The Duchess of Cornwall, Colonel-in-Chief, The Royal Australian Corps of Military Police, with members of the Corps during a visit to Victoria Barracks.

Later, The Duchess of Cornwall visited the Victoria Barracks, home of The Royal Australian Corps of Military Police. Her Royal Highness’s visit marked the Corps’ 100th anniversary, which will be celebrated next year. The Duchess has been the unit's Colonel-in-Chief since 2012. Her Royal Highness joined a reception with members of the Corps, and was invited to cut the centenary cake.

The military police serve in the army in Australia and around the globe, and over the last fifteen years have been deployed to Solomon Islands, Pakistan, Lebanon and Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Head of the Corps, Brigadier Cheryl Pearce, said: "It's a real honour to have The Duchess here. When she became our Colonel-in-Chief in 2012 it was just the start of a tradition and we want to continue with her into the future. This was a chance for her to meet our soldiers and our soldiers to meet her."

The Queen of Australia meets her Governor of Victoria

The Australian tour of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall is a huge success. Today thousands of Sydneysiders waited to get a glimps or even a handshake of Prince Charles or Duchess Camilla.

Huge crowds waited in Sydney in Martin Place

Royal crowd pullers in Sydney

Meanwhile Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, received her new Governor of Victoria.

The Honourable Linda Dessau AM, the Governor of Victoria, and her husband Judge Anthony Howard, had an audience with their sovereign at Buckingham Palace.

Eminent jurist and AFL commissioner Linda Dessau became Victoria's 29th Governor on 1st July 2015. She succeeded Alex Chernov, whose tenure ended at the end of June after four years and three months. Before she swore the Oath of Allegiance Ms Dessau she was a firm believer in having an independent head of state so governments could focus on their job. Having the role of a constitutional safeguard in an independent position was also critical she said.

HM The Queen receives the Honourable Linda Dessau AM, the Governor of Victoria, and her husband Judge Anthony Howard, during an audience, at Buckingham Palace on 10th November.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall soon in New Zealand and Australia

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will tour New Zealand and Australia from 4th-15th November; visiting 12 cities and towns; seven regions of New Zealand and three Australian states and one territory in 12 days. Their Royal Highnesses will arrive into Wellington at the start of the tour and will travel to Dunedin, Nelson, Ngaruawahia, New Plymouth and Auckland in New Zealand. The Prince of Wales will also visit Westport. In Australia, The Prince and Duchess will tour Adelaide and Tanunda, Canberra, Sydney, Albany and Perth.

In New Zealand, highlights of The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall's Tour will include arriving by train into historic Dunedin station, sampling the best of the country's spectacular food and wine during a visit to picturesque Nelson and being welcomed to Tūrangawaewae Marae, the home of the Kīngitanga (Māori King Movement), where Their Royal Highnesses will view a waka (canoe) armada on the Waikato River.

In Australia, the Royal couple will mark the centenary of Gallipoli by visiting the new National Anzac Centre in Albany and viewing the point from which the troop convoys departed; get a taste of regional life in the South Australian town of Tanunda and celebrate His Royal Highness's birthday with Western Australian families at a beachside barbeque in Cottesloe.

Many of the Tour's engagements reflect the themes of community, culture and conservation. For instance, The Prince and Duchess will have the opportunity to meet people in urban and rural areas across both countries and to learn how communities support one another. In Auckland, The Prince will visit Nga Rangatahi Toa ("Strong Youth") to hear how the organisation provides intensive creative arts mentoring through established artists, actors, musicians and creatives, to support young people back into work, education or training. Her Royal Highness will see a shining example of community cohesion at Oz Harvest in Sydney, a charity which collects surplus food, and redistributes it to charities which support the vulnerable.

On the theme of culture, in New Zealand, Her Royal Highness will attend a literary reception at Otago University, celebrating Dunedin's status as a UNESCO City of Literature; whilst in Australia His Royal Highness will visit the National Museum of Australia.

During Conservation Week in New Zealand, Their Royal Highnesses will learn about the work being undertaken to preserve native species at Orokonui Eco-Sanctuary. Meanwhile in Perth, His Royal Highness will hear about the efforts of the Western Australian Seed Technology Centre to preserve Western Australia's biodiversity.

In 2012 Prince Charles met sailors of the Royal Australian Navy.

The programme also reflects The Prince and Duchess's strong relationship with the military in both New Zealand and Australia. In Wellington, New Zealand, they will lay a wreath at the National War Memorial, and His Royal Highness will take part in a military exercise in Westport. Their Royal Highnesses will spend Remembrance Day in Canberra in Australia, and will attend the National Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.

In 2012 Her Royal Highness Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, inspected the Royal Guard of the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police during her visit to Victoria Barracks in Sydney.

Her Royal Highness, who is Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Australian Corps of Military Police, will visit Victoria Barracks in Sydney, to mark their 100th anniversary.

This is The Prince of Wales's 9th visit to New Zealand, and his 15th to Australia. It is The Duchess of Cornwall's second visit to both countries. The couple last visited New Zealand and Australia in 2012, as part of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Tour.

Prince Charles and Priness Anne newly appointed Commodores-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence, today announced that His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) have been appointed as Commodores-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada. This is the first time in history that members of the Royal Family have been appointed as Commodores-in-Chief of the RCN. The announcement of the appointments coincides with the RCN’s commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of the Battle of the Atlantic, one of the longest, largest and most complex campaigns of the Second World War.

The appointments will see The Prince of Wales becoming Commodore-in-Chief (Fleet Atlantic) and The Princess Royal becoming Commodore-in-Chief (Fleet Pacific).

The duties associated with the appointments are ceremonial in nature. A Commodore-in-Chief is kept informed of all important activities of their affiliated unit and may engage with the unit in a ceremonial capacity as opportunity allows.

Quick Facts
Commodore-in-Chief is an honorary appointment whose purpose is to maintain a direct link between the unit and the Royal Family. It is bestowed by The Queen on various members of the Royal Family.

The Queen has appointed various members of the Royal Family as Commodores-in-Chief of the British Royal Navy since August 2006.

On 9th April 2007 a monument was re-dedicated to remember the bitter Battle of Vimy Ridge in which more than 3,500 Canadian soldiers died. The Queen of Canada and her Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper were present. Prince Philip wore the uniform of the Air Commodores-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Within the ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces, army regiments have members of the Royal Family serve as Colonels-in-Chief. The Royal Canadian Air Force also has The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh serving as Air Commodores-in-Chief – Air Reserves of Canada and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets respectively. Until today, it was only the RCN that did not share this unique relationship with the Royal Family.

The Prince of Wales (Charles Philip Arthur George) is Colonel-in-Chief to seven Canadian military regiments.

The Princess Royal (Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise) is Colonel-in-Chief of seven Canadian military regiments.

Quotes
“The Royal Family has had a strong relationship with the Royal Canadian Navy since the inception of this proud institution in 1910. I am therefore delighted to welcome the appointments of The Prince of Wales and The Princess Royal as the new Commodores-in-Chief of our Royal Canadian Navy. It is fitting that this honour should be bestowed on the anniversary of the end of the Battle of the Atlantic, during which British and Canadian naval forces fought side by side on the high sea for freedom, peace and democracy.”

Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence

Prince Charles in a funny Aussie video

Countdown: His Royal Highness The Prince Of Wales roasts Molly Meldrum

Do yourself a favour and check out this Countdown 40th birthday sketch in which HRH The Prince of Wales good-naturedly roasts Molly Meldrum.

"It's an amazing thing for a kid from Western Australia to end up sitting having a cup of tea with His Royal Highness"

Since February 2003 Prince Charles has been President of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association. On Monday 27th October Prince Charles invited some of the Commonwealth's bravest war heroes to St James' Palace.

Among the guests were Afghanistan war veterans Ben Roberts-Smith, Corporal Daniel Keighran and Corporal Mark Donaldson from Australia. They were also joined by 20 other Victoria and George cross holder, including Keith Payne VC from Queensland, who saved the lives of soldiers under his command in Vietnam in 1969 and received his VC from the Queen aboard the Royal Yacht, Britannia, in Brisbane. Ben Roberts-Smith commented that the reunion at St James' Palace was made that little bit more special because of their connection with Prince Charles: "It's an amazing thing for a kid from Western Australia to end up sitting having a cup of tea with His Royal Highness."

Corporal Keighran spoke of the event: "It is incredibly humbling to talk to these guys and hear their stories. To be a part of that group as well I don't think I'll get used to it. Every year there are fewer members, so its good to come together."

Australian Army Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith received the Victoria Cross for Australia in January after his efforts during an operation in Afghanistan in June 2010, when he killed three insurgents who were attacking his patrol.

Royal Finances and Royal Duties

This week the annual Sovereign Grant report - the report on the Monarchy's public finances in the last year - was published. For details see Royal Family cost each taxpayer 56p last year.

Regularly the anti-monarchist splinter group Republic, run by Graham Smith, occasionally a Fairfax columnist, was quoted by The New York Times:

“They cost much more than they say, and they don’t actually do anything,” said Graham Smith, one of the activists, as he stared up at the palace walls. “People keep pushing for more from the royals, but they give it only grudgingly. We ought to be a republic.”

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall published their annual review in an impressive graphic:

Activities of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall in 2013/2014

The Prince of Wales funds himself, his wife, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry’s activities as royals from the Duchy of Cornwall. Prince Charles, however, incurred £1m travel costs in the last year due to an increased number of engagements performed representing the UK and The Queen overseas.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall's visit to Canada

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will visit three Canadian provinces, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Manitoba from 18th – 21st May 2014. Their Royal Highnesses will take part in events to mark important anniversaries of historical significance, including the centenary of World War One, and the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference in Prince Edward Island that led to the Confederation of Canada. Their programme will focus on Canadian achievement, commemorating the country's past and celebrating its future.

During the visit, The Prince and The Duchess will tour six communities: Halifax and Pictou County in Nova Scotia (18th and 19th May); Charlottetown, Bonshaw and Cornwall in Prince Edward Island (19th and 20th May) and Winnipeg in Manitoba (20th and 21st May).

Public events during the visit will include an official welcome to Canada and Nova Scotia at the Grand Parade in Halifax on Victoria Day on 19th May, Victoria Day Celebrations and fireworks in Charlottetown on the same day, and visits to Assiniboine Park and Manitoba Legislature on 21st May. Victoria Day is a Canadian public holiday, in honour of Queen Victoria's birthday.

Speaking about the forthcoming visit, Shelley Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages said: "The 2014 Royal Tour of Their Royal Highnesses will not only highlight Canada’s achievements and our shared heritage, but will also look to the future of Canada and how we will continue together to build a country that is the envy of the world.”

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall have visited Canada together on two previous occasions, in May 2012 and in November 2009.

Prince Charles' charity to open South Australian office

The Prince of Wales’s charity organisations Foundation for Building Community will open an Australian office, which will be part of a "landmark urban development project in South Australia". According to Adelaide’s The Advertiser, The Prince's Foundation “will open its first office outside of the United Kingdom in SA in the near future.”

What began in 1987 when His Royal Highness aired “Vision for Britain” - a documentary on the BBC which detailed the contemporary design and planning in Britain - turned into part of the group of charities known as the Prince’s Foundation for Building Community.

“It astounds me to think that it was over twenty-five years ago that I started on the rather rough road towards what has now become my Foundation. It seemed to me then, as it does still, that the nature of our built environment has a crucial impact on our quality of life and our physical and mental well-being,” commented Prince Charles on the Foundation's website.

The trust, along with Renewal SA, will construct six terrace houses which would "demonstrate attractive, low-carbon and medium-density living" as part of a government drive for better housing and "best practice design". According to the Housing in the City policy released by Premier Jay Weatherill, it would also benefit the building industry, which would gain from "detailed design, pre-construction and construction work".

The Prince became interested in undertaking city revitalization projects after his visit to Adelaide with the Duchess of Cornwall in November 2012.

"I am delighted that my Foundation combines education with championing community-building worldwide ... to create long-term, practical solutions to the communities in which we live,” Prince Charles commented via The Prince of Wales' website.



The Prince's Foundation for Building Community has undertaken projects throughout Britain, Haiti, Sierra Leone and The Galápagos Islands.

It also offers courses through Oxford University's Department for Continuing Education, the University of Wales and Construction Skills, as well as internationally in such places as New Orleans and Vancouver according to Prince Charles's website.

Australian national rugby league players received by Prince Charles

The Prince of Wales speaks with Australia's national rugby league team manager Gareth Holmes (l.). and Captain Cameron Smith (c.) during a reception for the Rugby League World Cup at Clarence House.

The Prince of Wales met players and representatives from the 14 countries competing in this year's Rugby League World Cup.

Brian Barwick, chairman of the Rugby Football League, told His Royal Highness: "The critical thing for Rugby League is that it is being talked about."

Andrew Henderson, who plays for Scotland, said he was excited about the match against Fiji. "We have prepared really well for the match. We had a warm up game against Papua New Guinea which we lost, but we drew important lessons from it and we got a feel of what to expect tonight."

Cameron Smith's tweet.