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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla in Canada: Itinerary for the 2014 Royal Tour

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will visit three provinces and six communities during their four day visit:

Halifax and Pictou County in Nova Scotia (May 18 and 19)

Charlottetown, Bonshaw, and Cornwall in Prince Edward Island (May 19 and 20)

Winnipeg in Manitoba (May 20 and 21)


Objectives for the Events on the 2014 Royal Tour

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Arrival

Objective:

To welcome the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to Nova Scotia. His Royal Highness last visited the province in 1983. This will be the first visit by Her Royal Highness.


Monday, May 19, 2014

Welcome to Canada - Grand Parade, Halifax

Objectives:

To officially welcome Their Royal Highnesses to Canada and Nova Scotia and allow them to be welcomed by Canadians. The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall have visited Canada together on two previous occasions, in May 2012 and in November 2009. The Prince has visited Canada on 16 previous occasions.

To honour Canadian military service by laying a wreath at the cenotaph (100th anniversary of the Great War and 75th anniversary of the World War II).

To provide His Royal Highness with the opportunity to address Canadians.


Halifax and Region, Military Family Ressource Centre

Objectives:

To highlight the outstanding programs and services of the Military Family Resource Centre, which works to promote the health and social well-being of individuals, families and communities who share the unique experience of military life.

To highlight the ongoing role of our service men and women and support given by their families to them.

To showcase the excellent work being done by the Military Family Resource Centre’s “Entrepreneurs Club” and demonstrate the synergies between this and The Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur, a program run by the Prince’s Charities Canada.


Halifax Seaport, Farmer's Market

Objectives:

To tour this state-of-the-art market, which was built green because of the farmers and Cooperative members’ commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

To introduce Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to the local farmers, vendors and artisans who have been making the Seaport Farmers’ Market a success since 1750.


Halifax, Public Gardens

Objectives:

To tour the classical Victorian Garden and to acknowledge it as a gem in the life of the city and all its citizens.
To commemorate the 2014 Tour of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall by planting a tree adjacent to the oak tree planted by King George VI in June 1939.

To recognize the efforts of volunteers and partners who have helped maintain and restore this Halifax landmark.


Canadian Immigration Museum at Pier 21

Objectives:

To pay tribute and honour the War Brides and World War II veterans in Nova Scotia for whom Pier 21 remains an important part of their past (as the primary departure point for almost half a million Canadian military personnel during World War II).

To showcase Canada’s National Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, which welcomed approximately one million immigrants to Canada between 1928 and 1971.


Alice Housing, (Northbrook Community Centre)

Objectives:

To celebrate, acknowledge and cast a light on the success of the programs and support that Alice Housing provides for women and families.

To recognize the outstanding contributions of community partners and volunteers to Alice Housing.
To meet and interact with some of the families who have benefitted from the programs and services of Alice Housing.


Arrival Trenton Airport, Pictou County, Nova Scotia

Objective:

To welcome the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to Pictou County, Nova Scotia.


The Hector Heritage Quay: A celebration of Celtic Heritage

Objectives:

To highlight the Celtic culture of Pictou County and Nova Scotia. The arrival of Scottish immigrants in the late 18th and early 19th centuries to the county. ultimately contributed to early nation building in Nova Scotia and Canada.

To acknowledge past, present and future contributions of Scottish Canadians in broad and oftentimes colourful ways.

To introduce Their Royal Highnesses to local farmers, artisans and entertainers.


Departure Trenton Airport

Objectives:

To thank Their Royal Highnesses for visiting Nova Scotia.

To formally bid farewell to Their Royal Highnesses as they depart from Nova Scotia and embark on their journey to Prince Edward Island as part of their tour of Canada.


Arrival at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Objective:

To welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to Charlottetown—the Birthplace of Confederation. His Royal Highness last visited in 1983. This will be Her Royal Highness’s first visit.


Victoria Day Celebration

Objectives:

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, which paved the way to Canadian Confederation.

To celebrate Victoria Day with Canadians and to commemorate the past through multicultural musical and theatrical performances, showcasing the artistic talent of Prince Edward Island and Canada, and to celebrate the future by highlighting the cultural vitality of our communities.


Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Province House, Youth Parliament

Objectives:

To celebrate the important role that Province House, the second oldest active legislature building in Canada, had in the Charlottetown Conference, which paved the way to the creation of our great nation.

To recognize the positive contributions Canadian young people are making towards strengthening Canada and to encourage more young people to consider their role/responsibility in the future building of our country.

To encourage all Island young people to continue to work diligently to attain their goals and aspirations in the future building of our country.


Holland College, Prince of Wales Campus

Objectives:

To showcase one of Prince Edward Island’s renowned educational institutions, known for its innovative and industry-driven courses for students who enjoy hands-on learning.

To highlight Holland College’s role in supporting sustainable urban development and preserving the heritage of Prince Edward Island – both issues are of personal interest to His Royal Highness (including by highlighting the environmental sustainability of the Centre for Applied Science Technology (CAST) building).

To allow His Royal Highness to interact with industry leaders and students as they highlight the achievements of students, as well as the unique and innovative projects offered through Holland College programs.

To officially unveil new signage for the Prince of Wales Campus.


Prince Edward Home

Objectives:

To showcase Canadian achievement at Prince Edward Island’s cutting-edge long-term care facility for seniors, divided into “neighborhoods” to provide a homelike environment.

To allow Her Royal Highness to meet with residents, staff and volunteers who provide compassionate services to seniors and Islanders with complex care needs.

To showcase the various medical interventions and social activities offered at the home, such as pet and art therapy and reading programs.


Canadian Institute of Forestry Meeting

Objective:

To introduce HRH to Jocelyn Teron, the 2013 inaugural winner of the Prince of Wales Award, as well as board members and staff of the Canadian Institute of Forestry, which administers the prize. The discussion will also touch on current and developing partnerships between the CIF and The Duchy of Cornwall.


Bonshaw Provincial Park

Objectives:

To highlight Prince Edward Island’s natural beauty at the Island’s largest provincial park, which promotes healthy active living, interacting with nature and conserving natural resources. His Royal Highness will meet with Earth Rangers and walk along a trail system that will be named after Their Royal Highnesses.

To showcase the skills and accomplishments of Prince Edward Island’s Olympic, Paralympic and Canada Games athletes (benefits of recreational activity and sports).

To recognize the work of the Atlantic Salmon Federation and the Bonshaw Park Advisory Committee in the creation of the new wilderness park.


Cornwall United Church

Objectives:

To honour the achievements of Island seniors who enrich Prince Edward Island communities, including women’s organizations, veterans, community groups and volunteers.

To hear a performance by a choir made up of singers from local churches.

To highlight the work of Island groups as Their Royal Highnesses visit displays by the Women’s Institute, the Military Museum, the Pony Club, and the Scouts and Guides of P.E.I.

To honour rural P.E.I. and meet with Island children from Early Years Centres and after school programs.


Immanuel Christian School

Objective:

The Duchess of Cornwall will meet with students and staff at the school, following a request from the children for a royal visit.


Departure from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Objectives:

To thank Their Royal Highnesses for visiting Prince Edward Island and joining with Islanders in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference.

To formally bid farewell to Their Royal Highnesses as they depart from Prince Edward Island and embark on their journey to Manitoba as part of their tour of Canada.


Arrival to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canadian Forces Base

Objective:

To welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to Winnipeg, Manitoba. His Royal Highness last visited in 1996. This will be Her Royal Highness’s first visit.


Government House Reception

Objective:

To host a reception honouring Their Royal Highnesses and offer an opportunity to interact with notable Manitobans and other Canadians and to highlight excellence across society in a vast range of endeavours, recognizing those who have made a significant difference to their local communities and the nation.


Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Aerospace and Aviation in Manitoba (Stevenson Hangar)

Objectives:

To provide a unique opportunity to engage with Manitoba elementary school students as they learn about the principles of flight, aircraft maintenance, rockets, satellites and composite materials.

To highlight the unique partnerships between industry and educational stakeholders in Manitoba's aerospace and aviation sectors, as well as the initiatives that exist to encourage young people to consider pursuing education and careers in these fields.

To profile local achievements and excellence in the fields of aerospace and aviation, including an opportunity to meet with the students who developed the first elementary school project from Canada to be taken on board the International Space Station.


Winnie the Pooh Gallery

Objectives:

To celebrate the centennial of Winnie the Bear, the bear cub who inspired the international phenomenon of Winnie the Pooh.

To meet children engaged in work to promote literacy on the subject of Winnie the Bear.


Journey to Churchill (Assiniboine Park Zoo)

Objectives:

To showcase research, education and conservation in action with the dedication of the world-leading Journey to Churchill facility at the Assiniboine Park Zoo.

To provide an up-close and personal opportunity to feed polar bears and view their new three dimensional, four-season environment.

To observe students involved in an educational session on polar bear protection and the importance of conservation and environmental awareness and to meet with Aboriginal artists responsible for works throughout the facilities.


Place Bernadette Poirier

Objectives:

To profile the leading practice model for safe, affordable, integrated and supportive housing for those with mental-health needs and those who have been homeless.

To officially open the new housing complex.

To meet with staff, residents and supporters of the facility and interact with residents in their new home.


Innovation Alley - Assent Works and Ramp up, Manitoba

Objectives:

To highlight the non-profit workshop dedicated to providing hands-on access to fabrication and prototyping equipment, knowledge and a community of support for young entrepreneurs, inventors, artists and innovators.

To meet with successful participants and hear about how they have made a difference in the life of their families and communities as a result of this unique incubator model.

To learn about the key role played by mentors and volunteers.

To provide an opportunity to speak with community and business leaders about the concept and options for expansion.

To offer hope to other young people to explore their dreams through innovation and entrepreneurship.


Meeting with Canadian Business Leaders, Red River College

Objectives:

To introduce His Royal Highness to the Canadian business leaders involved in his Prince’s Seeing is Believing initiative, as well as to those who have benefited from it.

To discuss efforts to expand the national reach and scope of the Prince’s Seeing is Believing activities and impacts.

To give His Royal Highness the opportunity to meet some of the founding corporate partners who are driving these national efforts forward.


Meeting with Canadian Development and Design Community, Prince's Foundation for Building Community, Red River College

Objective:

To discuss the work of Prince’s Foundation for Building Community in transforming lives and building sustainable communities with members of the Canadian development and design community.


Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Objectives:

To celebrate the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s past, present and future as it celebrates its 75th anniversary season.

To visit the Ballet’s impressive costume –making workshop.

To profile community outreach programs that bring dance to at-risk children and adults with varied movement abilities.
 
To provide an opportunity to greet participants, students, company dancers and staff and to view a pas de deux by two of the Ballet’s young professional dancers.


Credit Union

Objective:

To introduce Her Royal Highness to the unique business model of the Assiniboine Credit Union including the innovative programs that have been created to help low-income families and the local organizations that support them in the community.


Queen's Own Rifles of Canada

Objective:

To meet with members of Her Royal Highness’s first Commonwealth Regiment, the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, which she previously met during her visit to Toronto, Ontario, in 2012.


Manitoba Legislative Building and official farewell to Canada

Objectives:

To induct 14 citizens into the Order of Manitoba, recognizing those who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour benefitting in an outstanding manner the social, cultural or economic well-being of Manitoba and the nation.

To provide His Royal Highness with the opportunity to address Canadians.

To thank and formally bid farewell to Their Royal Highnesses as they depart Manitoba and Canada.


Departure from Canada

Objectives:

To showcase a recently restored 1928 Fokker Super Universal, widely regarded as the most significant “bush plane” in Canadian aviation history, which carries the marking of “The Royal Mail” and is the only plane of this type in the world that still flies.

To provide an opportunity to bid farewell to officials and veterans.

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.

Prince of Wales to be patron of Australian wildlife body

His green credentials are well known and today the ABC reported that Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, has accepted to become patron of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC).

The AWC says his patronage will bring global attention to the plight of Australia's threatened native species and efforts to halt animal extinctions.

"A lot of Australians don't even know we have the worst mammal extinction rate in the world," says the conservancy's CEO Atticus Fleming. "I think it's the Prince saying that he has a special bond with Australia and the bush, and he recognises Australia's biodiversity and wildlife is globally significant, and that it needs help. We need help to put the spotlight on the loss of of wildlife in Australia, and he's going to help us do that."

Prince Charles will be the first official patron of the AWC, which has been in operation for more than a decade.

Chairman Martin Copely says the Prince has a lifelong record of supporting conservation: "He will play a vital role in raising awareness of the need for decisive, practical action to protect Australia's threatened wildlife. As patron of the AWC, His Royal Highness also becomes guardian of species like the greater bilby, strengthening the Royal family's connection to this iconic Australian animal. Australia has named a bilby breeding enclosure at Taronga Zoo in Sydney in honour of (Prince Charles' grandson) Prince George."

The Australian Wildlife Conservancy owns and manages three million hectares of conservation estates in the Kimberley, the Top End, Cape York and Central Australia, most of it former cattle station land.

A message from The Prince of Wales to the volunteer Firefighters of New South Wales

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is making a contribution to the Australian Red Cross to help them support people affected by the bushfires in New South Wales.

The Prince has also sent a message to New South Wales Rural Fire Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons who The Prince met during his visit to Australia in 2012.

A Message from The Prince of Wales To the Volunteer Firefighters of New South Wales

Having had the great pleasure of meeting some of the volunteer firefighters of New South Wales at Bondi Beach last year, I just wanted you all to know that you are very much in my thoughts as you battle courageously against such appalling bushfires around Sydney.

My wife and I so greatly admire the selfless service you provide in such incredibly dangerous and distressing circumstances and our hearts go out to all those – including firefighters – who have lost their homes in this terrible conflagration. My wife joins me in sending you our special wishes, and heartfelt encouragement at such a difficult time.

Charles,
The Prince of Wales

Royal baby arrives

Buckingham Palace

Official announcement

Buckingham Palace confirmed Duchess Kate has delivered a healthy baby boy.

Weighing in at 8lbs and 6oz, the Prince of Cambridge came into the world at 4:24pm on Monday 22nd of July.

Clarence House, the seat of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, confirmed the news via press release which read:

"Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 4:24pm.

"The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth.

"The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families have been informed and are delighted with the news."

"Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well and will remain in hospital overnight."

 The official notice which has been placed on the easel outside the Palace has been signed by Marcus Setchell, the Queen's former gynaecologist who led Duchess Kate's royal medical team.

The new royal baby, the Prince of Cambridge, will be the 43rd sovereign since William the Conqueror if, as expected, he follows reigns by The Prince of Wales then Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.

Australian Governor-General welcomes Royal Birth

The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO, has warmly welcomed the birth of the Royal Prince:

“On behalf of all Australians, I send heartfelt congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on this joyful occasion.

“The birth of a baby is an experience to celebrate and cherish. We wish the new parents every happiness and send warm greetings of welcome to the little Prince,” the Governor-General said.

Statement from Her Majesty's Australian Prime Minister, The Hon. Kevin Rudd
The Prime Minister today congratulated the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their first child, a son.

On behalf of all Australians, Therese and I extend our warmest regards to the new parents, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

Prince William holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians. Some of us remember his first visit to this country as a 9 month old baby more than 30 years ago with his mother Diana and father Charles.

In more recent times, Prince William demonstrated deep compassion when he met with families in Victoria who had lost everything during the Black Saturday bushfires of February 2009.

We share in the joy of the Royal Family, particularly Prince Charles on the birth of his grandson and Queen Elizabeth II on the birth of her great grandchild.

This is a happy day for our close friends in Britain and the Commonwealth.

Statement from the Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Australian Opposition, The Hon. Tony Abbott Margie and I join all Australians in extending to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge congratulations and best wishes on the birth of their son.
This would be the happiest day in their lives and all Australians share their joy.

While there will come a time to contemplate the constitutional duties that await the young Prince, today we simply welcome a baby boy into the world and share the joy of this young family.

I am sure that over the course of his life, the Prince will, like the rest of his family, develop a deep affection for our country, as we already have for him.

Prince Charles: "Cheaper food earns companies bigger profits and is sucking real value out of the food production system"



"The success of a globalized system is being subsidized by many complex, long-term problems that contribute to a potentially toxic mix, making the food it produces not cheap at all.  In fact, it is very expensive."




Addressing the Langenburg Forum at Langenburg Castle in Württemberg, Southern Germany, The Prince of Wales launched a wide-ranging attack on current food production methods.  

In his speech at a conference on regional food security at the castle of his 2nd degree cousin Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, Prince Charles called for the creation of a more local model of food production and distribution. He said the drive to make food cheaper for consumers and to earn companies bigger profits was sucking real value out of the food production system – value that was critical to its sustainability.

"The recent horsemeat scandals are surely just one example, revealing a disturbing situation where even the biggest retailers seem not to know where their supplies are coming from."

The Prince of Wales said:

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would just like to say how immensely grateful I am to Prince Philipp, Princess Xenia and to Joschka Fischer [former German foreign minister, Greens Party] for their herculean efforts in putting this Langenburg Forum together! I hate to say that it has been over fifty years since I was here last and almost fifty years since my parents visited this wonderful castle, back in 1965. It was two years after a devastating fire which had almost completely gutted the building. So it is a joy to see it so marvellously restored under my late cousin, Kraft’s, expert supervision.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
if I may say so, this is a very important conference. I am sure what you have heard so far about the problems we face and the obstacles to tackling them has given you a clear context in which to be able to consider what comes next this afternoon.

The aim here is to think through how we might create a much more local model of food production and distribution. But also, how that might fit with producing healthy food using far more sustainable methods and how we might do all of this without damaging business. Indeed, how this could improve business.


Prince Charles received a hearty welcome in Langenburg.


As you have heard, the urgency for this comes from the fact that there is not sufficient resilience in the system as it currently stands. It may appear that things are well. Big global corporations may appear to be prospering out of operating on a global monocultural scale but, as I hope you have seen, if you drill down into what is actually happening, things are not so healthy. Our present approach is rapidly mining resilience out of our food system and threatening to leave it ever more vulnerable to the various external shocks that are becoming more varied, extreme and frequent.

The drive to make food cheaper for consumers and to earn companies bigger profits is sucking real value out of the food production system - value that is critical to its sustainability. I am talking here about obvious things like the vitality of the soil and local eco-systems, the quality and availability of fresh water and so on, but also about less obvious things, like local employment and people’s health. It is, as I fear you know only too well, a complex business.

The aggressive search for cheaper food has been described as a “drive to the bottom”, which I am afraid is taking the farmers with it. They are being driven into the ground by the prices they are forced to expect for their produce and this has led to some very worrying short cuts. The recent horsemeat scandals are surely just one example, revealing a disturbing situation where even the biggest retailers seem not to know where their supplies are coming from. And it has also led to a very destructive effect on farming. We are losing farmers fast. Young people do not want to go into such an unrewarding profession. In the U.K., I have been warning of this for some time and recently set up apprenticeship schemes to try to alleviate the problem; but the fact remains that at the moment the average age of British farmers is fifty-eight, and rising.

We also have to consider the problems we expose ourselves to when we ship vast quantities of commodities half way round the world. These long distance supply chains are apt to snap when they are subjected to sudden shocks. Unexpected weather events, hikes in fuel prices, trade disputes and disease; all sorts of unpredictable events threaten to interrupt supplies. And such is the way we now arrange things that most of us, even if we do not realize it, have an umbilical dependency upon this globalized system which is surely a dangerously vulnerable position to be in.

And finally there are the social and economic problems that derive from this pressure to produce cheap food. It is heartening, I must say, to be in this part of Germany where there is the highest density of organic farms in Europe. I've just visited a marvellous example with Herr [Rudolf] Bühler but throughout the continent the way we produce most of our food seems dependent more on chemicals and industrial processing than it does on farmers - and, for that matter, on our ability to cook!

In the U.K., as elsewhere - but particularly I think in the U.S. - the consequences of this are ever more apparent in the deteriorating state of our public health. We all know that Type 2 Diabetes and other obesity-related conditions are rapidly on the increase. The public bill for dealing with these is already massive and I am told it could become completely unaffordable if we do not see a shift in emphasis. And, of course, it will be cities that carry the heaviest part of that burden. It is a peculiar trend…

"How is it, then, that systems of farming which do precisely the opposite - with increasingly dire and damaging effects on both the terrestrial and marine environments, not to mention long-term human health - are able to sell their products in mass markets at prices that in no way reflect the immense and damaging cost to the environment and human health?  A cost that then has to be paid for over and over again elsewhere - chiefly, in all probability, by our unfortunate children and grandchildren, whose welfare I happen to care about."

Am I alone, ladies and gentlemen, in wondering how it is that those who are farming according to organic, or agro-ecological principles - in other words, sustainably, for the long-term, by operating in a way that reduces pollution and contamination of the natural environment to a minimum and maximizes the health of soil, biodiverse ecosystems and humanity - are then penalized? They find that their produce is considered too expensive and too “niche market” to be available to everyone. How is it, then, that systems of farming which do precisely the opposite - with increasingly dire and damaging effects on both the terrestrial and marine environments, not to mention long-term human health - are able to sell their products in mass markets at prices that in no way reflect the immense and damaging cost to the environment and human health? A cost that then has to be paid for over and over again elsewhere - chiefly, in all probability, by our unfortunate children and grandchildren, whose welfare I happen to care about. Surely this is a truly perverse situation which, you would have thought, could be turned on its head to make genuinely sustainably-produced food accessible to everyone, and the polluter to pay the real costs for the side effects of industrialized food? It is to be wondered at how this state of affairs persists - and yet to suggest standing it on its head and transforming the situation is to invite the predictable chorus of vitriolic accusations that you are anti-science, anti-progress, out of touch with commercial pressures and not living in the “real world.”

So, as I hope you can see, the success of a globalized system is being subsidized by many complex, long-term problems that contribute to a potentially toxic mix, making the food it produces not cheap at all. In fact, it is very expensive. The only reason it appears cheap in the shops is because the costs either fall somewhere else, or they are being stored up for the future when, as I have said, they will be met by our children and grandchildren. You only have to look at what is happening to the Baltic Sea to see the sort of legacy I am talking about. And as I heard from many people in Sweden last year, a delicate ecosystem is being suffocated by what is called “eutrophication” - an entirely Man-made problem, caused by excessive amounts of nutrients leeching into the water from farming and other industrial processes. The price of apparently cheap food is costing nothing less than the Earth!

This is why we have to recalibrate and re-gear the system. Food needs to be produced in a more sustainable and eco-friendly manner and how it is then processed and distributed needs to happen at a much more appropriate level. In short, our food systems need to have better networks which are less globally dependent and more locally inter-connected. Moving in that direction could solve lots of problems. Many of the arguments about “feeding the world” conveniently ignore the fact that in both the developed and developing worlds 40% of all food produced is then wasted. It is either thrown away or it ends up rotting through lack of storage or well-managed local distribution.

There are plenty of very sophisticated means of enabling city regions to become the engines of significant change. I have seen many inspiring examples here in Germany which, if I may say so, is leading the debate on many of these issues. As you will discover in the next session, there are also some very interesting new ways of thinking and operating - seeds of change that could put resilience back into the system. They could also bring farming back from the brink of a worrying collapse and offer the retail sector a profitable future.

Some of these approaches follow the idea that came from Toronto and Copenhagen - of prioritizing procurement in the immediate hinterland of a town or city. This is already delivering benefits for farmers, consumers and for public organizations such as hospitals and schools. And in that vein, I understand this meeting today might lead to the consideration of a regional food initiative, here in Baden-Württemburg, that would, if I may say so, be wonderful as these sorts of examples are invaluable. They demonstrate that stakeholders are not powerless; they do have the ability to support more resilient and integrated food systems if they are prepared to act with a common purpose.

Prince Charles in Langenburg accompanied by his cousin Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg (l.) and Princess Saskia of Hohenlohe-Langenburg (r.). Please note that the bakery is still called "Hof Conditorei", by appointment to the princely court [of Langenburg].

One of the presentations in a moment explores how we might capitalize on the sort of information technology that underpins social media websites these days. From what I understand and I am certainly not an expert, there is every chance this technology could transform the way food networks operate, so it would, perhaps, be wise to take such ideas seriously.

I realize only too clearlt that there is no one “magic bullet” solution to establishing a resilient and sustainable food system. Local food production is not the panacea. But we do need to redress the balance perhaps through carefully structured incentives and disincentives if we are to evolve food systems and food businesses so that people have what they most want, and Nature’s systems have what they most need to keep us all going, now and in the future.

In this regard we should perhaps pay particular attention to a recent agreement between the United Nations food and agriculture organisation and the international Slow Food movement. It is hugely encouraging, I think, and I would have thought also provides a most useful model to build on.

So Ladies and Gentleman I can only wish you well in your deliberations for the rest of the afternoon. Having joined you here today I will allow myself the hope that the ideas you are discussing at this forum will become the much needed practical behaviour of tomorrow.

Prince Charles' visit made front page headlines in Germany.

Melbourne's grand royal opening

It is unbelievable, but today Melbourne's arch-republican daily newspaper The Age published a royalist article. Andrew Messenger recalls in Shoppers oblivious to royal memories his encounter with Prince Charles and - especially - Princess Diana:

"Flowers fell everywhere - posies of roses and carnations, dahlias and cornflowers (all collected later and distributed to hospitals). Children frolicked. The royal couple arrived in a black Rolls Royce 34 minutes late. This was to be one of the last legs in their tour, which included stops in Sovereign Hill and at Cockatoo, recently ravaged by the Ash Wednesday bushfires."

The royal couple were in town on their first visit to Australia after the royal wedding of 1981. On 14th April 1983 at 12.26pm they officially opened Bourke Street Mall.

Thank you Mr. Messenger, for sharing your memories with us.

Indian Raja dies at the age of 100

Prince Charles, may be the oldest Prince of Wales on record, however, he cannot beat the record of another heir apparant. In what is today the Indian state of Kerala Puthiya Kovilakathu Sree Manavedan Raja, the Zamorin of Calicut, was 90 years old, when he ascended the throne in 2003. On the occassion of his passing way the Indian daily newspaper The Hindu reported, "Kunhianiyan, as he was lovingly referred to, died on Wednesday in a hospital here, barely a week after completing 100 years on March 22". India may have a republican constition, but the numerous royal families in India still play an important role in the cultural, religious and political life of the country.

The Zamorin of Calicut with Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor (Congress Party), former UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information.

"The Zamorins once ruled this port city, which had a prosperous harbour on the medieval Spice Route. Kunhali Marakkars, the admirals of the Zamorin, thwarted attempts by the Portuguese to dominate the region. But during the British period, the Zamorins were reduced to the position of landlords. But they retained their patronage of temples and mosques — and popular esteem.

"A fan of [cricket player] Sachin Tendulkar and a  Kathakali [Malayalam theatre] connossieur, an Ancient British History buff, author and an avid reader of The Hindu, Manavedan Raja was a simple man who took time to listen to all, and promoted communal harmony."

Zamorin of Calicut, P.K.S.Raja

Dr. E.K. Govinda Varma Raja wrote a biography of the Zamorin, titled The King Without A Crown, who as an officer of the Post and Telegraph Department, travelled widely, and had extended postings in the eastern parts of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, when it was still the British Raj. After retirement as a Deputy General Manager with BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, an Indian state-owned telecommunications company), he spent his years travelling the world till he ascended the throne in 2003.

As Zamorin he had few powers, but he was trustee to 40 temples from Chemanchery to Palakkad. He had a permanent seat on the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple’s managing committee. His family managed the Zamorin’s Guruvayurappan College, where the P.K.S Raja Centenary Research Centre, built at a cost of Rs. 1.5 crore (AU$ 265,000), was scheduled to be inaugurated this month.

Kerala's royal families have a very special succession law: The new rulers are always the sons of the deceased ruler's sister, never his own sons. This matrilinear line of succession is still in use to determine the Maharaja's of Travancore and Kochi. Were this succession law in place in Britain (and therefore in Australia) it would mean that Prince Charles' successor would be Princess Anne's son, Peter Philips.