Latest Press Release
TRH to visit Italy, The Holy See and Germany
2nd April 2009
The British Government have asked The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to undertake official visits to The Republic of Italy, The Holy See and the Federal Republic of Germany from Sunday 26th April to Thursday 30th April 2009.
At a time of global economic recession and growing concern over climate change, these visits reflect the importance which the United Kingdom Government places on its relationships with its European partners.
Their Royal Highnesses’ visit to Italy will focus on the key issue of climate change. In Rome, The Prince of Wales will deliver a keynote speech at the Chamber of Deputies, as well as attending a meeting of Italian business leaders on environmental issues and a reception to celebrate and encourage a “Slow Food” culture of local sourcing and organic production. In Venice, Their Royal Highnesses will focus on the important issue of urban regeneration. The Prince will attend a seminar about the industrial redevelopment of the lagoon before visiting an example of sensitive housing regeneration in the city. Both Their Royal Highnesses will visit the magnificently restored La Fenice Opera House.
Their Royal Highnesses’ visit to The Holy See will include an audience with The Pope Benedict XVI as well as a meeting with the Cardinal Secretary of State to discuss, among other things, climate change and inter-faith understanding.
Their Royal Highnesses’ visit to Germany, the world’s third biggest economy, will focus on the themes of global sustainability, social inclusion and long-term Anglo-German partnership and co-operation.
In Berlin, His Royal Highness will accept a major Sustainability Award and deliver a keynote speech on the issue of global sustainability, before travelling to Potsdam to take part in an expert discussion on climate issues, including deforestation.
Also in Berlin, Their Royal Highnesses will attend two events focused on community integration as well as celebrating ties with Britain through visits to the New Museum, recently restored by a team of British architects and to the Allied Museum on the 60th anniversary of the Berlin airlift.
Notes to Editors
Since 2000, The Prince of Wales has visited Italy twice (in 2002 and 2004) and the Holy See once, in 2005 representing Her Majesty The Queen at the funeral of Pope John Paul II.
The Prince’s last official visit to Germany was in 2002, although he has visited in a regimental capacity a number of times, including 2005, 2004 and 2001.