Prince Charles praises ‘world’s fastest’ runners and jerk chicken as he discusses ‘fairly unique’ family

The Prince of Wales shared a powerful message as he and Duchess Camilla hosted a dinner for Commonwealth leaders in Rwanda...

Prince Charles praises 'fastest' runners, seen here leaving the CHOGM opening ceremony
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty Images)

Prince Charles has praised everything from the “world’s fastest” runners to jerk chicken and maple syrup as he discussed a “fairly unique” family.  


As senior members of the extended Royal Family, Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla have regularly carried out overseas tours over the years. Their most recent international trip saw them undertake a deeply significant inaugural royal visit to Rwanda. During their time in the capital, Kigali, Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla paid their respects as they remembered all the victims from the 1994 Genocide. They later went on to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, known as CHOGM, on behalf of the Queen and ended their time by hosting a dinner for Commonwealth leaders. 

Here Prince Charles honored extraordinary people, achievements and even some of the “finest dishes” in the world. Shared by Clarence House in a social media caption alongside stunning photos of both the future King and Queen Consort and the thoughtful table decorations, the Prince described the Commonwealth as a “family”.  

“Our Commonwealth family must have something fairly unique about it,” his heartfelt message began. “After all, an increasing number of countries are seeking membership, with Mozambique and Cameroon having joined in the nineties and Rwanda in the noughties; and now, after a short pause, Togo and Gabon are on the path to membership, with others also expressing interest.”

Prince Charles then went on to reflect upon everything that makes the Commonwealth so special, ranging from world-class sportspeople to jerk chicken. 

He continued, “Perhaps, Your Excellencies, they have discovered that the country with the highest percentage of female parliamentarians is in the Commonwealth (here in Rwanda as it happens); that the world’s fastest male and female runners (not to mention marathon world record-holders) are Commonwealth nationals”. 

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales makes a speech at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Dinner

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

“Reggae, Calypso, Afrobeats, High-life, Hip-Life, Bollywood and Nollywood all originate from the Commonwealth”, the Prince of Wales added, before sharing his belief that, “the Commonwealth has given the world some of its finest dishes – curry, Jollof rice, maple syrup, Roti, Jerk chicken, Nasi Goreng and, dare I say, fish and chips!”

And that’s not all as he revealed that “the men’s and women’s Rugby world Champions and the ten highest ranked men and women’s cricket teams are – you’ve guessed it! – all from the Commonwealth.”

Prince Charles’ message comes after he and fellow royals have visited a number of other Commonwealth countries as they marked the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year.

Prince Charles Prince of Wales is joined by President of Barbados Sandra Mason, and Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley

(Image credit: Photo by Jonathan Brady - Pool/Getty Images)

The Prince of Wales and Duchess Camilla traveled to Canada in May, where Prince Charles addressed the “dark” and “difficult” history of abuses against Indigenous people in the country. He also showed off his dance moves in a a traditional drum show, whilst Prince William and Duchess Kate undertook their Caribbean tour in March which was not without controversy. 

Meanwhile, last year the decision was made by Barbados to become a republic and replace the Queen as Head of State. Dame Sandra Mason, the governor-general, was sworn in as the country's new President in a ceremony attended by Prince Charles. 

Discussing the possibility of other Commonwealth countries following in Barbados' footsteps, Prince Charles explained in Rwanda that it's “a matter for each member country to decide”.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!