LOUISVILLE (US), Mar 21: Prince Charles and his wife received a distinctly Kentucky welcome during a visit to the Bluegrass state, where the royal couple got a glimpse into efforts to promote environmental sustainability and protect historic buildings among the prince’s favourite projects.
During a whirlwind visit to Louisville yesterday, Charles chatted with onlookers, attended panel discussions and called for fundamental changes toward a more sustainable economy in sync with the environment.
“If we wish to maintain our civilisation, then we must look after the Earth,” Charles said in a speech at the Cathedral of the Assumption. “In failing Earth, we are failing humanity.”
Charles, next in line to the throne, said climate change threatens “to engulf us all.”
“As a grandpa, I have no intention of failing mine or anyone else’s grandchildren,” he said.
Charles and his wife, Camilla, were serenaded by a choir singing “My Old Kentucky Home” at the start of their visit.
They received a welcome from the city’s most famous native son boxing great Muhammad Ali that was read by the city’s mayor.
“As you travel back to your homeland, we hope you know how much this city respects and admires the many contributions you have made in the world,” Ali wrote in the message read by Mayor Greg Fischer. “We think you are the greatest.”
Charles watched as an employee for spirits maker Brown-Forman Corp. Showed how whiskey barrels are made.
“He had a lot of questions about what the oak does to the product, and what creates the … Flavors that we have with our products,” said the employee, Chad Ruch.
Schoolchildren lined up outside the royal couple’s event at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage. Charles and Camilla shook hands and chatted with some of the youngsters.
Jailen Leavell, 15, was part of the River City Drum Corps that played for Charles and Camilla.
“This morning I just could not sleep,” the teenager said. “I woke up at 4 o’clock just thinking how in the world was I going to handle this. Being able to actually see him is very surreal.”
Charles attended a discussion on agriculture, visited with environmental activists and took a trip to the Old Louisville neighbourhood, known for its stately Victorian homes.
The Kentucky stop concluded the royal couple’s visit to the US, which included a visit to Washington, DC. (AGENCIES)
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