As those who mark the Lunar New Year get ready to celebrate the occasion, the Prince of Wales has sent a congratulatory message to all those celebrating the Year of the Tiger (2022).
In a message released in both English and Mandarin, the Prince discusses the importance of sustainability.
His Royal Highness said in his message:
“My wife and I would like to wish a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to all those in China – and everyone celebrating the new Lunar Year across the world.
“As we enter the Year of The Tiger, known for courageous action and rising to challenge and adventure, I hope the whole world will make this a year of action. Together let’s create a better future for all our children by shifting the way we live and work to be in harmony with Nature and the planet.
“The blessing of the tiger brings happiness to all families in the Year of the Tiger.
“Wishing you peace and happiness.”
The Year of the Tiger message has been released on the usual social media channels, but for the first time, it is being released on the Chinese social media platform, Weibo, which is similar to Twitter. Half a billion people have accounts on this social media service.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall most recently marked the Chinese New Year in February 2015 with a visit to Chinatown to tour the new China Exchange. They were also able to meet with members of the Chinese community on their visit.
In 2017, Their Royal Highnesses joined Xi Jinping, the President of China, at a performance at the Royal College of Music (RCM) of a guzheng. The guzheng is a rare 21-string Chinese zither that was given to Prince Charles by President Xi during the State Visit from China to the UK that year. For this particular performance, the Prince of Wales had loaned the guzheng to the RCM to celebrate their agreement with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music to create a Joint Institute in China.
President Xi also invited the Prince to speak at a virtual roundtable discussion in October 2021 regarding sustainable development. He spoke to Chinese business leaders who expressed interest in joining his Sustainable Markets Initiative.
