<![CDATA[The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall
travelled to Cartagena on Friday.
They were greeted by young musicians and dancers from an
after-school music club in the underprivileged La Boquilla
neighbourhood who performed for the Royal couple.
Prince Charles and The Duchess visited the Museo del Oro, the gold
museum showcasing remarkable treasures from the nation’s early
history.
In the courtyard, artisans showcased their wares and gave
demonstrations from hammocks to the famous sombrero the Royal
couple tried on.
Made from woven palm leaves, the black and white sombrero are known
as Vueltiao and worn by peasants and cattle ranchers from the
coast.
Woodcarver Manuel Pertuz who demonstrated his artisan skills
commented on the Royal visit: “Having them here is a real unique
experience for us and gives us real satisfaction. It’s great for us
to be able to demonstrate what we produce to the whole world. It
shows the cultural diversity across all the regions and its
brilliant the royal couple are interested in what we do.”
As they departed, Charles and Camilla crossed the street to shake
hands with those gathered in a park watching the Royal
engagement.
During the day, Charles and his wife learnt about the attempts of
the Colombian authorities to confront the drug cartels and
guerrilla groups who for countless years made the country a major
manufacturer of cocaine.
They were shown some of the submarines that were seized since 1994
from the drug traffickers.
The Royal couple later unveiled a commemorative for soldiers who
died in 1741 as British forces attempted to take the city of
Cartagena.
Known as The War of Jenkins’ Ear involving Spain and Britain, it
was part of a nine year conflict that involved a massive naval
campaign involving more than 180 ships and 27,000 men.
Charles went on to attend the “Health of the Oceans” conference at
Naval Museum in Cartagena.
He began his speech in Spanish then note “That’s far enough” to
laughter from those in attendance. Charles then addressed the crowd
discussing the diversity of Colombia, pending issues and the health
of the oceans.
“From what I have seen on this occasion and from all I have come to
know about Colombia in the years since my last visit, I have no
doubt that your country can play a critical role in the Caribbean,
as in the world, in pursuing a much more balanced and
environmentally resilient approach,” Charles commented.
Charles and his wife ended their four-day Colombian tour with a
sunset ceremony on the HMS Argyll.
Not deterred by the rain, The Prince and his wife spoke with
guests, including Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, the
warship’s officers and senior figures from the Latin American
country.
The evening ended with the sunset ceremony where the Royal Navy
Ensign was lowered.
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will arrive in
Mexico on Sunday. Sunday marks the Day of the Dead, a Mexican
public holiday when people gather to remember and pray for family
and friends members who have died as well as visit their
graves.
The Royal couple will stop in Real del Monte to mark the day by
visiting the Cornish cemetery which contains the only known British
First World War memorial in Mexico. It is here that they will lay a
wreath at the memorial of Private John Vial, a Cornish immigrant
who died on the Somme.
Featured Photo Credit: Rebecca English @RE_DailyMail
Photo Credits: Chris Jackson-Getty Images]]>
