Press Releases

Gaeta, April 24th, 2024 – During a solemn cerimony in the council chamber, the Mayor Cristian Leccese gave the perchement of honorary citizen of Gaeta to Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, in execution of the will of the civic municipal council (civic resolution n. 68 of the 23^rd October 2023). The Mayor Cristian Leccese praised the engagement of H.R.H. to the cultural and historical development of the city, emphasizing the bond of respect and affection with the local community, in line with His family tradition.

The Mayor of Gaeta stated: “ It is with immense honour that we confer this prestigious recognition to H.R.H. Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies. Our city boasts of historical relationship with the Bourbon dynasty, witnessed by the conservation of places and military works dating back to the Kingdom of Two Sicilies. We welcome Prince Charles as an honorary member of Gaeta, trusting on his presence to continue to help our cultural and tourist development.”
As it emerged during the formal ceremony in front of a crowded audience, Gaeta was named “Città Fedelissima” (The Most Faithful City) by Charles III of Bourbon in 1738, and it was also the second capital of the Kingdom of Naples and the temporary seat of the papacy in 1848, as Pius IX escaped to Gaeta under the protection of King Ferdinand II of Bourbon Two Sicilies.

“I am deeply grateful for this prestigious honour. the city of Gaeta – stated H.R.H. Prince Charles – not only has a remarkable historic legacy, but it is also the center of the maritime economy. I will engage in supporting and enhancing the many cultural and natural heritages of this wonderful community, contributing to its sustainable development and prominence in a global cultural context.”

The participation of eminent civil and religious personalities, including the Archbishop of Gaeta Monsignor Luigi Vari, the Prefect of Latina Maurizio Falco and the President of the Commissione Lavori pubblici e trasporti della Regione Lazio (commision for public work and transport of the Lazio region), Cosmo Mitrano, added further prestige to the event.

Rome, April 23rd, 2024 – A Solemn Eucharistic Ceremony was held in the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, in the presence of H.R.H. Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro and Head of the Royal House, in honour of Saint George Martyr, patron saint of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George. The pontifical Mass was presided over by His Eminence the Most Reverend Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and Grand Prior of the Order.
The Investiture Ceremony was attended by distinguished guests from all over the world, as well as by many civil, military and religious institutions.
“This is a very significant moment for our Order, since it strenghtens the bonds of brotherhood and of serving others,” stated H.R.H. Prince Charles. “Each new member brings a precious contribution to our work, promoting a human solidarity mission.”

H.R.H. the Duke of Castro was together with the Royal Family: Her Royal Highness Princess Camilla of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duchess of Castro; H.R.H. the Hereditary Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duchess of Calabria and Palermo; H.R.H. Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duchess of Noto and Capri; H.R.H. Princess Beatrice of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Grand Prefect; H.R.H. Princess Anna of Bourbon Two Sicilies; H.R.H. Prince Casimiro of Bourbon Two Sicilies, President of the Royal Deputation; H.R.H. Princess Elena Sofia of Bourbon Two Sicilies.

His Most Eminent Highness Fra’ John Dunlap, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, was also present, accompanied by the Grand Commander, H.E. Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau, nominated on this occasion Knight Grand Cross of Justice of the Constantinian Order.
Among the attending authorities were the Hon. Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Chamber of Deputies; the Hon. Sergio Costa, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies; H.I.R.H. Ambassador Edward of Habsburg ; H.E. Ambassador Marek Lisánsky; H.E. Ambassador Adam Kwiatkowsky; the Noble Constitutional Judge Filippo Patroni Griffi; the Councilor of the Court of Auditors Francesco De Leverano; the Captain of Harbour Master Ports – Coast Guard, Admiral Chief Inspector Nicola Carlone (CP); the President of the Italian Red Cross, the Lawyer Rosario Valastro; the Mayor of Gaeta, Mr. Cristian Leccese; the Mayor of Portici, Hon. Vincenzo Cuomo; as well as Mr. Massimo Barra, President emeritus of the Italian and International Red Cross; Mrs. Emilia Scarcella, National Inspector of the Italian Red Cross Volunteer Nurse Corps.

Among the people who were admitted into the Order were also H.E. Fra’ Alessandro de Franciscis, Grand Hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta; H.E. Prince Barberini, Don Benedetto Prince of Palestrina; H.E. Prince Borghese Don Scipione, Prince of Sulmona; H.E. Count Don Antonello Del Balzo of Presenzano, Duke of Presenzano; Marquis Giuliano Buccino Grimaldi Count of Bisaccia; Don Moroello Diaz Pallavicini della Vittoria dei Duchi della Vittoria; Count Don Alessandro Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona dei Duchi di Laurenzana; General of the Army Corps Antonio Vittiglio; Baroness Giada Magliano, who on the occasion also collected the diploma of her husband, H.E. Ambassador Giandomenico Magliano; H.E. Ambassador Marcus Bergmann; Engineer Carmen Milena Antonella Lerario, CEO Airbus Italia; Professor Pino Musolino, President of the Port Authority of the Central-Northern Tyrrhenian Sea; H.R.H. Don Afonso de Bragança, Prince of Beira, who collected the diploma of his sister, H.R.H. the Infanta María Francisca de Bragança, Duchess of Coimbra. Finally, the Gold Medal of Merit was given to the Associazione Nazionale Carabinieri, at the presence of the National President, General of the Army Corps Libero Lo Sardo.

You can see HERE (QUI) all the pictures regarding the Investiture Ceremony.

On the holy day when we celebrate the victory of Christ over death, H.R.H. Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro and Grand Master, wishes to convey his wishes to all Knights and Dames of the Constantinian Order, in the hope that the Risen Christ may illuminate our lives by infusing us with trust and comfort.

Happy Holy Easter!

Rome, March 29th 2024 – Ahead of the celebration of Holy Easter of Resurrection, His Eminence the Most Reverend Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Grand Prior has decided to address the message to all Knights and Dames of the Constantinian Order.

QUI the message by His Eminence Grand Prior.