Prince Charles tonight used a speech on what has been dubbed his European 'charm offensive' to call on EU countries not to turn their backs on Britain. Although the heir to the throne deliberately chose not to use the word Brexit during his address in Florence, his appeal to countries such as Italy was clear. Speaking at a gala dinner in the historic Palazzo Vecchio, where he was awarded an award for being the 'Renaissance Man of the Year', the prince said: 'Although our relationship is deeply rooted in our shared history, today, I am delighted to say, it is more firmly embedded than ever before. 

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'In almost any field that one can think of – in culture, business, education, defence and security co-operation, innovation and research , even sport – the partnership between the United Kingdom and Italy brings tremendous benefits to our economies and to our societies.'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles also said of the relationship between the two countries: 'It is also a force for good in the world. The United Kingdom and Italy are Europe's two biggest contributors to global peacekeeping. Together, we are fighting Daesh; tackling the challenges of mass migration and climate change; and striving to defend the values we share – of pluralism, democracy and human rights.'

He added:' All of this is possible because of the rich exchange of ideas that has for centuries been a bridge between us. So many of those ideas – which have shaped both our countries, and indeed shaped the world we share – emerged or were rediscovered here in Florence during the remarkable years of the Renaissance.'

 

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