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.

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.

Camilla and The Night Manager

The Daily Telegraph reported the first meeting of HRH Camilla Duchess of Cornwall and Tom Hiddleston who won fame in the BBC's great thriller success The Night Manager, which was on air in March in the UK, on Foxtel in Australia and is presently shown in the USA.

The Duchess didn't mind Tom Hiddleston's arm on her shoulder.

Obviously the Duchess watched the five-part mini series as this dialogue proves:

"After [BBC Radio 2 host Chris] Evans greeted her with a kiss on the cheek, he introduced the Duchess to Hiddleston, saying: 'Your Royal Highness, The Night Manager.'

"The Duchess said: 'Hello Night Manager, how are you? Sunday nights just aren't the same without you.'

"'Well I can only apologise unreservedly for that,' said Hiddleston

"'But you might come back again?' the Duchess asked hopefully.

"'Well you never know,' he replied. 'We will have to ask John Le Carré [the writer].'

"'Well it was brilliant, the Duchess said. 'Everyone sat gripped.'"

Once again Her Royal Highness showed her good taste.

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.

King Harald of Norway celebrates his 78th birthday in Australia

King Harald (r.) at a state banquet with Camilla Duchess of Cornwall and Norway Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.

King Harald V of Norway can celebrate his 78th birthday on 21st February. And he is actually down under with Queen Sonja. The royal couple arrived in Canberra from Antarctica, where he was the first monarch to set foot on the continent.

The official state visit officially kicks off on Monday 23rd February. The King and Queen will be Australia until 27th February. The main purpose of King Harald and Queen Sonja’s Australia tour is to promote Norwegian economic and business interests in the country. During their trip, the couple will be visiting both Sydney and Perth besides Canberra.

Before flying to Australia The King has been visiting Queen Maud Land – a Norwegian dependency in the Antarctic. The King was paying a visit to the Troll research station, which is celebrating ten years of year-round operations.

King Harald has been given a close-up introduction to Norwegian research in the Antarctic, learned more about the management framework of this enormous area, and experienced some of the majestic scenery of the world’s coldest continent.

Part of the King’s visit took place at the Troll observatory, an air monitoring station operated by the Norwegian Institute for Air Research. Antarctica has the cleanest air in the world, yet the impact of emissions from other parts of the globe is felt here as well. The King and his entourage were given a presentation on the work being conducted at the observatory, where important climate measurements are taken.

“I think the children of today will be much wiser than we have been,” said the King following the visit, and he pointed out that we have much more knowledge and awareness now on which to build.

King Harald also visited the Troll Satellite Station, a ground station for polar orbiting satellites. Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSTAT) owns the station, which is located not far from the Troll research station. With a similar station at Svalbard, KSTAT can deliver up-to-date climate, environmental and meteorological data to the satellites’ owners.

Kong Harald på breisen i Antarktis.

The Norwegian research station in the Antarctic, located at Queen Maud Land, lies 1 270 meters above sea level and 235 kilometres from the coast. It was first established in 1989–1990, and in 2005 it was upgraded to year-round operations.

The Troll research station carries out meteorological observations and ultraviolet radiation monitoring, and serves as a field station for various programmes on glaciology, biology and physics. Much of the research conducted here revolves around various aspects of the climate and the impacts of climate change.

Special priority is given to minimising the environmental impact of activities at the Troll research station so as not to diminish the value of Antarctica as a reference point for climate research. For example, surplus heat is not released into the environment, but is used to melt snow and ice for use as drinking water and in the central heating system. Waste that cannot be treated in any other way is compressed and transported out of the Antarctic. Electric cars are used to reduce vehicular emissions at the station.

Upgrading the Troll research station to year-round operations expanded the opportunities to conduct research and environmental monitoring, and enhanced Norway’s presence in the Antarctic. 

King Harald also had the chance to experience some of the area’s majestic scenery during his visit. The Troll research station is located on the mountain known as “The Giant’s Seat”. The station is located 1 270 metres above sea level, while the highest peak on the continent is 2 370 metres above sea level. The climate at the Troll research station is more stable than along the coast, and has an annual mean temperature of about minus 25 degrees Celsius, which is considered a moderate temperature for the continent as a whole.

Following the visit to the Troll Satellite Station, the station crew took King Harald on an excursion into the landscape. Using a terrain vehicle, the team gave the King a tour of the area which included icebergs, snow formations and towering mountain peaks.

The only permanent animal life consists of small invertebrates that live under the rocks. Birdlife reaches a peak in the warmest time of the year, when the temperature may climb to about zero degrees Celsius. Large colonies of snow petrel (Pagodroma nivea)and Antarctic petrel (Thalassoica antarctica) have their breeding grounds in the Giant’s Seat, as does the South Polar skua (Stercorarius maccormicki), which is considered to be the world’s southernmost bird.

Queen Maud Land
Queen Maud Land lies on the Antarctic continent at 20° West and 45° East, and is a Norwegian dependency. The area comprises one-sixth of the continent, and is almost seven times larger than Norway. It borders the British sector on the west and the Australian sector on the east.
Source: www.norskpolarinstitutt.no

Queen Maud Land was annexed by Norway on 14 January 1939, and was named after Norway’s Queen Maud, a daughter of King Edward VII, who had died the previous year. Norway’s claim on the area was based on the country’s whaling interests and research activity. Norway had been active in polar research since the 1800s, and while whaling was gradually discontinued, Norwegian research in the Antarctic carried on. The year-round Troll research station has given Norway a stronger presence than ever on the continent.

King Harald’s visit to Queen Maud Land marks the first time that a Norwegian King has visited Norway’s dependency in the Antarctic.

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.

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.

Trooping the Colour - the Queen's official birthday

The Royal Family standing on the balcony after Trooping the Colour.

Yesterday tens of thousands of people lined The Mall and crowded in front of Buckingham Palace to watch the military procession of the yearly celebration of Her Majesty's official birthday, known as Trooping the Colour.

It was the 61st occasion that The Queen, who turned 87 on 21st April, has taken the royal salute.


Prince Harry shared the coach with The Duchess of Cornwall and The Duchess of Cambridge.



The Duke of Edinburgh's place at the Queen’s side was instead taken by her cousin, the Duke of Kent.

The Queen first took part in the Trooping the Colour in 1947 and first took the royal salute in 1951, when she deputised for her sick father, King George VI .

The Queen and The Duke of Kent.

The Prince of Wales in the Sultanate of Oman

The British Government has asked Their Royal Highnesses Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, and Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall, to undertake a 9-day official visit to The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, The Emirate of Qatar, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and The Sultanate of Oman between 11th to 19th March 2013.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Oman on 17th March for the final leg of their overseas tour to the Middle East, having spent the morning in Jeddah.

His Majesty The Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said Al Saidat welcomed the royal couple at the Bayt al Baraka palace in Muscat.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall witnessed a horse show and toured Nizwa Fort, which is located in the heart of Oman and dates back to the 12th Century. It is the country's most visited national monument.        

The Royal couple also paid a visit to the historic fort of Nizwa in the Governorate of  Dakhiliyah.
     

Prince Charles viewed the traditional irrigation system of the Sultanate, 'Aflaj', at the Niyabat of Birkat Al Mouz.

Prince Charles left Australia with "great sadness"

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s visit to Australia for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee has come to an end in Canberra on 10th November 2012.

Their Royal Highnesses have experienced everything from an Aussie barbie with outback cattlemen to the excitement of the Melbourne Cup during their six-day trip to the nation.

The royal couple ended their Diamond Jubilee visit in the capital Canberra where they renamed a section of road close to the striking Parliament House - Queen Elizabeth Terrace.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard welcomed The Prince and Duchess when they arrived at the thoroughfare which was lined with crowds and she paid tribute to The Queen's devotion to duty:

Your Royal Highnesses, I bid you a special welcome to our country and our capital.

To The Prince of Wales, you are a familiar visitor to these shores.

In you, the people of Australia know they have a true and sympathetic friend.

To The Duchess of Cornwall, I hope you have discovered the warmth of the Australian character and a land you will always feel welcome.

Since landing at Longreach on Monday, these have been days to explore and revisit the facets of our landscape and culture:

From the Outback, to the vineyards of South Australia, and the race that stops nation.

Now, we gather here in this capital to reflect on the bonds of history and affinity which made Australia the nation it is today.

The Father of Federation, Sir Henry Parkes, called it the “crimson thread of kinship” and the associations are all around us.

Not far from here is found the writing table Queen Victoria used to sign into law the Constitution that led to the creation of this capital.

Up on Capital Hill meets the Federal Parliament first inaugurated by King George V as Duke of Cornwall and York in 1901.

A quarter of a century later, another Duke of York came to open these old Parliament buildings – a shy prince who came to show the ‘heart and stomach of a king’.

Like Your Royal Highness, he too was accompanied by a gracious Duchess. Your beloved grandmother.

It is a story also inscribed in the streets and parks of this beautiful zone where, one by one, the East-West terraces have been named in recognition of our monarchs since Federation: Queen Victoria Terrace, King Edward Terrace, King George Terrace.

Today, the symmetry is made complete with the naming of Queen Elizabeth Terrace.

At the same time, the green space in front of Old Parliament House and two roads either side will stand in honour of Sir Henry Parkes reflecting the mix of ancient tradition and contemporary democracy that underpin our constitutional order.

This place will be a lasting tribute to Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee inscribed forever in the architecture of this capital.

It will remind future generations that for more than half of our journey as a united nation, Elizabeth the Second has been our monarch.

No-one in the history of our Federation has shared more consistently in the affairs of our Commonwealth or followed them with deeper interest and goodwill.

As Canberra prepares for its centenary, it is fitting that The Queen’s life of duty is given recognition here in our nation’s heart and her wisdom and dignity are honoured among the people she has so faithfully served.

I thank Your Royal Highnesses for sharing this commemoration with us.

And I know you will convey to Her Majesty the sentiments we share in naming this place today.

No Head of State could be more worthy of this honour, and no nation could more freely or gratefully bestow it.

The royal couple went on a brief walkabout in the newly-named terrace, meeting people who had been waiting patiently.

Sisters-in-law Crystal and Leanne Tunningley, 33, were ecstatic after meeting The Duchess. Crystal, 28, from Canberra, said: "Camilla was saying she loved being in Canberra and it was so sad that she had to go."

Later The Prince and Duchess held a private meeting with the Queen's representative in Australia, Governor General Quentin Bryce and her husband Michael.

The Prince then held a series of talks in the imposing Government House, first with Ms Gillard, and then the leader of the opposition Tony Abbott, who said "it was a real thrill" to meet the prince.

In the grounds of the historic building a Diamond Jubilee buffet lunch, among the guests were leading politicians, including former prime minister John Howard, broadcasters, business leaders, sports personalities and arts figures. Mrs Bryce said after her accession to the throne in 1952, The Queen showed remarkable qualities.

She said: "In the six decades since across times of extraordinary and constant change a symbol steadfast - dignity, strength, a source of courage and inspiration to so many people."

In a short speech The Prince praised the volunteering efforts of many Australians - something that reflected the theme of the Diamond Jubilee, service to others.

The Prince, who confessed they would leave Australia with "great sadness", said: "These are the people of course who provide a glue to such a, I think, diverse and energetic and determined society.

"And from that point of view it has been a real joy for my wife and I to help celebrate that wonderful aspect of society in Australia.

"To pay a tribute, for what it's worth, to all these marvellous people, and to just thank them for all they do to make Australia such a very special place."

Before leaving for New Zealand, the final leg of the Diamond Jubilee tour, the royal couple paid their respects to Australia's war dead at the nation's war memorial on the eve of Remembrance Sunday.

More than 100,000 men and women have died serving the Commonwealth country since the First World War and The Prince placed a floral tribute at the monument to recognise their ultimate sacrifice.

The Australian War Memorial in Canberra is an imposing sandstone-clad Byzantine style building with a copper-covered dome.

The royal couple walked into the Hall of Memories where the remains of a First World War serviceman are interred. At each corner of the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier stood a member of a ceremonial unit from the Australian Defence Force.

Above Their Royal Highnesses’ heads was an ornate dome and they were surrounded by lavishly decorated mosaic walls featuring more than six million coloured glass tiles in a design created by Australian artist Napier Waller. The Prince laid a large wreath on the tomb before the Last Post was sounded by a bugler and a minute's silence was observed.

In the memorial's open air commemorative area were written the names of Australia's fallen and the royal couple walked past the long lists stopping at the names of those who died on operations in Afghanistan. Before leaving the royals went on a brief walkabout to meet the crowds outside the memorial.

Even the Fairfax media acknowledged: Capital embrace a hit as royals leave their mark on the city.

HRH Camilla Duchess of Cornwall's visit to Victoria Barracks, Sydney

As part of their 2012 Australian tour, Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall visited Australian Defence Force bases in Sydney, NSW, on Friday 9th November.


During her visit to Victoria Barracks, Her Royal Highness, Camilla Duchess of Cornwall was appointed as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police, the first Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Australian Corps of the Military Police in almost a century. The Royal Australian Corps of Military Police is a key element of the Australian Army; and Victoria Barracks is the home of Army's Forces Command.

Her Royal Highness took the royal salute and inspected the Royal Guard and the Australian Army Band.

The Duchess of Cornwall makes a speech to the Royal Australian Corps of the Military Police
Published on 9th November 2012

Officers, Men, women of the Royal Australian Corps of the Military Police, It gives me enormous pleasure to address you today as your new and very proud Colonel-in-Chief.

This is a very exciting time for me not only because of the great honour you have done me but also because it is my first trip to Australia and I deeply regret having left it so late.

There has always been an association between members of the Royal Family and the Australian Army, including the appointment of Colonels-In-Chief to a number of Corps over the years.

Her Majesty The Queen is Colonel-In-Chief of the Royal Military Police, with whom you have close professional ties and shared lineage. And so I was very keen to know who my predecessor was.

I think you can imagine my delight and pride when I learned that in the prestigious 96 year history since your formation I have no predecessor and that I am, therefore and self-evidently, your first Colonel-in-Chief.

I want you to know the pleasure that gives me and that I am also very well aware of the significance and honour that comes with this very special appointment.

I am delighted to see that you are all wearing your rather dashing scarlet berets and wondered if the Colonel-in-Chief might possibly get to wear one, too?

For almost a century, the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police has earned an esteemed position in both the Australian Army and the wider community. In both war and in peace, you have provided outstanding service to the Nation. This is a record to be cherished. You are a regiment who provides a unique and often difficult role, not only overseas on dangerous operational duties to Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor and elsewhere, but also at home where your constant professionalism is required on a daily basis, policing the Australian Army and wider Defence Force.

It seems to me you are never off duty - rather like my husband. But it is your families who provide you with peace of mind while you are away on long training exercises or overseas deployments. They provide the bedrock of support without which you cannot do such remarkable work. I do hope that I get to meet a number of you and, of course, your families today and over the coming years whenever I’m in Australia, which I hope will be often.

Please remember how much my association with you all, as Colonel-in-Chief, means to me and what interest and concern I have for you all. Your duty to serve as members of the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police will always be ‘For the Troops and With the Troops’. I know you will have heard that many times before but I dare to say that is the first time you will have heard it from your Colonel-in-Chief.

Thank you.

Her Royal Highness Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, reviews the Military Police Royal Guard whilst on parade at Victoria Barracks, Sydney.