During his first visit to Romania in 25 years, King Charles expresses his ‘love’ for the country
The King has expressed his “love” for his “deep connection” to Romania, marking a quarter-century since his first visit.
On Thursday afternoon, the president greeted the king with a Guard of Honour and a reception to honor his close ties to the country.
In a speech at the event, he told President Klaus Iohannis, “I can scarcely believe that twenty-five years have passed since my first visit to this most remarkable country, although I felt a deep connection to Romania even before I came here.”
It’s his first journey abroad since being crowned in Westminster Abbey on May 6, and he’s decided to go alone to one of his favorite places for a quiet visit of rest and recuperation.
Since his first visit in 1998, the monarch has developed strong relations with Romania, where he owns at least ten properties and makes a yearly vacation to walk through the lovely hills and paint near his holiday house in the village of Viscri.
His 18th-century home’s surrounding countryside provides botanical excursions and lots of nature for the green-fingered monarch, as well as hiking trails and equestrian riding.
He praised Romania’s natural beauty in his speech, stating, “I have come to love Romania – your culture and art, your heritage and history, your sweeping landscapes and priceless biodiversity.”
“Romania has preserved an incomparable wealth of nature in its ancient forests, pristine countryside, and through some remarkable examples of sustainable farming.”
“Many species of flora and fauna have disappeared or are threatened elsewhere in Europe and the world, making it all the more valuable.”
Because there is no wifi, TV, or radio in the Saxon residence, which he purchased in 2006, the King can completely detach and appreciate his love of nature. However, it is understood that there is now a “small hi-fi player with CDs” in the drawing room.
He has made numerous excursions to Transylvania as the Prince of Wales, but this is the first time a British king would visit the country, despite the few official elements.
On Thursday, he spoke of his “cherished” Romanian friends and the philanthropic work he has done there over the previous 25 years, including backing from the Prince’s Foundation to teach craftspeople and architects across the country.
He stated that he “wanted to remind the world of everything that has always made Romania such a special country” and expressed gratitude for their “incredibly generous support to all our Ukrainian friends.”
In his speech, the monarch also praised his family’s historical ties to the country, stating that Queen Marie, the last Queen of Romania, was the first cousin of his great-grandfather, King George V.
He also mentioned that his great-grandmother, Queen Mary, was derived from Countess Claudia Rhedey, “with links that go back deep into Romania’s history,” and that his father was King Mihai’s first cousin.
“So, if I may say so, I have always felt rather at home in Romania,” he remarked after describing his family’s roots there.
President Iohannis told the King that he was “honored” to be his first foreign visit since the Coronation, and that it delivered an “extremely important message that Your Majesty’s bond with these lands remains as strong as ever.”
“On behalf of all Romanians, I express our appreciation and gratitude to Your Majesty for your genuine contribution in protecting and celebrating the values that are a core part of our national identity: nature, our country’s rural landscape, and our rich cultural heritage,” he said.
“The locals speak of how, as a result of Your Majesty’s interest, the beauty of their villages and traditions has crossed borders.”
“You have reminded them of the value of traditions, customs, and crafts passed down through generations.”
In 2023, Britain and Romania will mark the 20th anniversary of the commencement of their Bilateral Strategic Partnership, with the President adding that this declaration “paved the way for intensified cooperation between our countries.”
Before the reception on Thursday, the King and President Iohannis had face-to-face talks, which were followed by a meeting with state officials and civil society members.
After completing his formal duties, the monarch retired to his Transylvania home, which is surrounded by acres of flowery meadows and hiking paths, where he will remain until early next week.
