British Royalty
Commissioned by the government: Charles in Jordan and Egypt
Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla go on a trip. Photo: Jens Kalaene / dpa-Zentralbild / dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
Four days in the Middle East: Prince Charles is supposed to maintain bilateral relations in Jordan and Egypt. The topics of the trip are close to his heart.
On their first major trip abroad since the corona pandemic, the British heir to the throne Prince Charles (73) and his wife Duchess Camilla (74) are visiting Jordan and Egypt this week.
The four-day tour takes place at the request of the British government, as Clarence House, the couple’s residence, announced in advance. “The first royal trip in almost two years comes at an important time in Britain’s relationship with the two countries,” said Charles’ assistant private secretary, Chris Fitzgerald. Central topics are climate protection as well as interreligious dialogue, women’s rights and the protection of historical cultural assets.
Charles is increasingly taking on foreign engagements for his mother, Queen Elizabeth II (95). His last major autumn tour took him to India, New Zealand and the Solomon Islands in the Pacific in 2019. The queen has refrained from long-distance travel for years. For health reasons, she recently had to cancel several appointments in Germany, including taking part in the commemoration of the World War on Sunday.
The first stop this Tuesday (November 16) is Jordan. Charles, who last visited the country in February 2015, and Camilla will take part in the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Jordan together with King Abdullah and Queen Rania, among others. The Royal Family maintains close relationships with the Jordanian royal family.
Clarence House also highlighted Amman’s important role in the region. Charles will emphasize the generous reception of refugees and also take part in religious discussions. “This recognizes the diverse, tolerant and integrated character of Jordanian society and emphasizes the importance of religious freedom,” it said.
On November 18, the couple traveled on to Egypt, where they were received by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his wife. “Your Royal Highnesses’ visit to Egypt will highlight the country’s close ties with Britain and provide an opportunity to demonstrate Egypt’s growing commitment to protecting the environment,” it said.
The next UN climate summit, the COP27, is scheduled to take place in the North African country in 2022. The visit is therefore a kind of handover from the current host to the next. Charles has been committed to protecting the environment for decades.
In Egypt it is primarily about the climate and religious tolerance. A reception is set to celebrate the close ties between the two countries before the couple heads back to the UK on November 19. “The program will give Her Royal Highnesses the opportunity to celebrate the ancient culture and spiritual significance of Egypt while looking at a modern Egypt aiming for a greener future,” it said.