An ardent supporter of conservation of the cultural and natural heritage in Transylvania, Prince Charles arrived on a hill in Saschiz, Mures county on 7 May, around mid day, to meet local agricultural producers and taste some of the local traditional delights.

The heir to the British Royal Crown declared himself delighted with the lamb pastrami with polenta, of which he tasted next to an iron kettle, and with the different cheeses, honey and rhubarb jam.

As he was sitting down at a table with the press, Prince Charles declared that he feels a special bond with Transylvania, saying that the place is probably in his blood. This was a reference to the fact that his great-great-great-grandmother, Countess Claudia Rhedley, lived in the area and is burried at Sangeorzu de Padure. Beyond the family ties, he said he has a special interest in this place, in particular the Carpathian zone "which is almost untouched".

Taking time to speak with the people, the Prince was told in details how many animals the farmers have, and how they take care of them. The heir was interested if the producers associated themselves to sell better and if they participate at markets and expositions. This way he found out that the producers go to Bucharest, at the Romanian Farmers' Market, to display organic produce.

This is the seventh visit Prince Charles makes (five private, two official) after 1990. Charles is a supporter of the Romanian ecological agriculture, through his foundation Transylvania Authentica. The organization proposes to promote a so-called "Transylvanian brand" and to encourage small local producers to continue traditional agriculture. Transylvania Authentica is a joint initiative of the Foundation for Partnership from Miercurea Ciuc and of the foundation The Prince's Charities from Great Britain.

 

Multimedia links

Download photos from the visit

You Tube videostream

 

Further reading

Food and culture in Transylvania

ADEPT news release

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