Charles and Camilla fly to Cuba for historic royal visit
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall fly to Cuba for an historic visit which will see them celebrate cultural ties between the UK and the Communist state.
Charles and Camilla’s official trip is a first by members of the monarchy and comes after the couple’s tour of five Commonwealth Caribbean countries where the Queen is head of state.
The prince and duchess will be joined by Commonwealth minister Lord Ahmad, showing the importance the government places in developing ties with Cuba.
There are no plans for the royal couple to meet Raul Castro, the brother of Cuba’s former Communist leader Fidel Castro who died in 2016, but they will be guests of honour at an official dinner hosted by the country’s president Miguel Diaz-Canel.
Charles met Cuba’s president in November last year at his London home, Clarence House, when the foreign leader visited the UK with a delegation of senior ministers.
At a Havana recording studio, the prince and his wife will meet members of the Buena Vista Social Club.
The group became worldwide celebrities when their 1997 album became a surprise global hit and Grammy award winner.
Other highlights of the Cuban trip will see the couple meet Havana owners of the famous vintage cars still running in the capital, although these will be British classics.
Charles and Camilla will end their stay in Barbados by attending a traditional Sunday church service at St Michael’s Cathedral before flying to Havana.
After being welcomed at the airport, the prince and his wife will start their visit by laying a wreath at the memorial for Cuba’s national hero, the essayist and poet Jose Marti.