Charles The Renaissance Man: Prince and Duchess Conclude Florence Leg of Tour

The Prince of Wales has been named ‘Renaissance Man of the Year’ during a gala dinner at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence on the last evening of his and the Duchess of Cornwall’s second leg of their European tour.

“I fear I have many more interests than talents – which is why I feel so greatly honoured to be given such an award in the city of the Strozzis and the Medicis, the home of the Renaissance,” Prince Charles said during his acceptance speech, watched on by the Mayor of Florence and tenor Andrea Bocelli.

He spoke much of the relationship between the United Kingdom and Italy, the culture of the city – saying both he and Camilla “have both been in love with Florence ever since we first came here” – and the importance of preserving nature and the environment for future generations.

The couple had earlier spent the morning taking in the region’s culinary delights during a visit to Sant’Ambrogio Market, where Charles and Camilla sipped Italian coffee – although the Duchess’s coffee was forgotten by staff and she could only manage a quick sip before the royal tour continued on, and tasted a variety of local produce. As they walked through the town, the couple also visited the Theatro Del Sale to view a presentation of produce displays.

Afterwards, the Prince and the Duchess stopped at the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, an organisation which restores art. They were shown a restoration in progress in the building’s state of the art restoration laboratories.

Charles had a solo engagement in the afternoon, visiting the Florence Caritas centre where he played Italian card game ‘Tresette’ with people who receive assistance from the organisation, bringing a large smile to everyone’s faces. The joy continued on to the Palazzo Strozzi, where the Prince spent some time shaking hands with the people who had come out to see the royal visitor.

 

Filed under The United Kingdom
Tagged Agriculture, Art, Awards, Italy, Official Visit, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Prince of Wales.

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