13 dec. 2011

 

 

Opening address of His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania

The Annual Dinner at Guildhall, Monday December 12, 2011

 

 

 

My Lord Mayor,

Your Royal Highnesses,

My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Crown Princess of Romania and myself, I would like to say how honoured we are to be your guests this evening, in this historic building, which has witnessed so many of the significant events of your nation, such as the trial of England’s “Nine Day Queen”, Lady Jane Grey, the publication of King James Bible, the Great Fire of London, and The Blitz, to name but a few.

By British standards, a hundred years tradition of an institution is modest. However, in Oriental Europe, and by Romanian standards, a hundred year tradition is a rare achievement. This is why the ties forged in the last nine decades, between the Guild of The Freemen of the City of London, and the Royal House of Romania, are a source of pride and inspiration for us today.

In 1924, the Guild hosted a magnificent dinner in honour of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie of Romania, during their State Visit to Britain. Fourteen years later, in 1938, King Carol II and Crown Prince Michael were the guests of the Guild. Years later, in 1995, King Michael returned as a guest of the Guild, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the end of WWII.  Then, just under two decades later, in 2011, King Michael, on the occasion of his 90th birthday, was a guest once more, to receive the Freedom of The City of London. A few months later, it was his pleasure to host an event for the Guild in Bucharest.

It is therefore, a privilege for the Crown Princess and myself, together with Princess Helena of Romania and her husband Mr Alexander Nixon, to represent the fifth generation of the Romanian Royal Family at the Guildhall this evening.

In the last 22 years, Their Majesties King Michael and Queen Anne, and Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess, have endeavoured to help Romania regain her place in the European family of free nations. This work continues, as Romania has yet to recover economically, to improve institutionally, to battle the blight of corruption, to consolidate her reputation abroad, and develop her self-confidence within local communities. A Royal Foundation was founded twenty years ago to help elderly people, children, the youth of Romania and to promote social projects. Two decades later, The Foundation has had times of challenging frustrations and disappointments, but also times of great success. And during these 22 years, the impeccable model of unwavering service; devotion and commitment to people and nation, symbolically embodied in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and of her Family, has been a source of inspiration for all of us.

Romania has achieved much in the last two decades. A quarter of the population of the country study, work or live in the European Union. Half a million Romanians are students in universities in Romania, Europe or America. Romanian legislation is completely European, and democracy is present in political life. The King and us, carry an annual workload of events and visits to represent the interests of our country in Europe, America, Asia and Africa.
In this context, our presence tonight at the Guildhall is both an honour and a privilege. It is also a source of encouragement. In such a cynical and disruptive world, ideals such as tradition, duty, the power of personal example, continuity and attachment to national values and symbols, impart meaning to the functions of the institutions of The State, and give meaning to our lives.

Bearing in mind the example of devotion and impeccable service to the Nation of your Queen, and the amazing determination, patience, faith and love for his people displayed by King Michael, my wife and I, together with our family, thank you for allowing us to be part of such a wonderful event. Furthermore, we hope that this noble institution and its values continue for many centuries to come.

Civic Toast:

The Lord Mayor, The City of London Corporation and The Sherriffs.