Queen Elizabeth II's heartfelt message to Greece as it marks milestone in 'difficult year'
THE QUEEN has issued a moving message to Greece as the nation celebrates the bicentenary of its independence during "a difficult year".
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Queen Elizabeth II, 94, has reached out to Greece with a heartfelt message as the nation marks 200 years since it gained independence on Thursday. The Queen's message followed Prince Charles, 72, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall's, 73, two-day trip to Athens to observe the important milestone.
In a statement shared by Buckingham Palace, the Queen sent her heartfelt congratulations to Greece and recognised the bicentenary celebrations fell during "a difficult year".
The Queen's message read: "On the significant occasion of the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the Greek War of Independence, I would like to convey to Your Excellency my congratulations, together with my best wishes to the people of Greece.
"After what has been a difficult year, I am sure that the Bicentenary celebrations will bring the promise of better times, whilst reinforcing the warmth of relations between our two governments and peoples."
The statement was signed "Elizabeth R."
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Charles and Camilla made the trip abroad on the request of the British Government.
The royal couple were permitted to make the journey for work at a time when most Britons are banned from travelling overseas due to lockdown.
A Clarence House spokesman confirmed: "This visit is being undertaken at the request of the British Government."
The Queen has not travelled abroad since 2015 and now gets younger members of the Firm to make international visits on her behalf.
Prince Charles expressed his gratitude about being able to make the visit while speaking to Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou on Thursday.
Recounting his fears the trip may have been unable to take place during the pandemic, the future king said: "But the great thing is it has been possible.”
Athens mayor Kostas Bakoyannis expressed his gratitude to Charles and Camilla, for having made the journey.
He said: "We’re very grateful that he’s here."
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The mayor added: "It’s a great honour for us. It’s a great honour for the city of Athens. It’s a great honour for the Greek nation."
On Thursday, Charles and Camilla rounded off their whistlestop tour by attending a military parade marking the 200 years since the Revolution of 1821.
During the short visit the couple also attended a state dinner hosted by the Greek president at which Charles delivered a speech.
On Thursday Clarence House shared a tweet to confirm the royal couple were on their way back to the UK.
The Clarence House tweet read: "The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s visit to Greece has come to an end.
"Thank you to all those who welcomed Their Royal Highnesses to Athens this week."
Charles and Camilla wore face masks throughout the two-day visit and observed social-distancing measures at each of their engagements.
Once back in the UK, the couple are expected to return to Highgrove in Gloucestershire, where they have been spending lockdown.