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 23rd 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 dinasty, 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.