ATHENS, Greece (CU)_The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Greece on Wednesday (24 March) on their first international trip of the year, to celebrate 200 years of the country’s independence.
The heir to the throne and the Duchess landed at the Athens Airport just before 5.30pm local time, and were greeted by UK’s Ambassador to Greece, Kate Smith, as well as a guard provided by the Hellenic Armed Forces.
The Prince has described Greece as “the land of my grandfather”, as Prince Philip’s father was Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark.
Later in the day, the couple paid a visit to the National Gallery, where they were greeted by the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his wife, Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotaki.
In the evening, the Prince and the Duchess attended an official state dinner hosted by Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou at the Presidential Mansion. During the event, Prince Charles delivered a speech highlighting his family history in Greece.
“Greece is the land of my grandfather; and of my father’s birth, nearly one hundred years ago, in the centenary year of Greek Independence. Later, it was in Athens that my dear grandmother, Princess Alice, during the dark years of Nazi occupation, sheltered a Jewish family – an act for which in Israel she is counted as ‘Righteous Among the Nations’,” he said.
He added that he feels “a profound connection” to Greece as there is something of the country’s essence in everyone.
“As the wellspring of Western civilization, Greece’s spirit runs through our societies and our democracies. Without her, our laws, our art, our way of life, would never have flourished as they have.”
The Prince of Wales also highlighted the close ties between Greece and the United Kingdom, saying: “Greece can count on her friends in the United Kingdom”.
“The ties between us are strong and vital, and make a profound difference to our shared prosperity and security. Just as our histories are closely bound together, so too are our futures,” he noted.
The Prince and the Duchess will continue their visit in the country on Thursday, when they attend an Independence Day Military Parade, meet with Greek dignitaries, and lay a wreath at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier at Syntagma Square.
