Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall stroll around ruins in Jordan's ancient city of Gadara

Published: 16 November 2021

Prince Charles has revealed his mother is 'doing alright' as Her Majesty was seen standing unaided today as she held a face to face audience at Windsor Castle.

The Prince of Wales

Prince Charles has revealed his mother is 'doing alright' as Her Majesty was seen standing unaided today as she held a face to face audience at Windsor Castle.

The Prince of Wales was asked about the Queen by Sky journalist Rhiannon Mills while on a trip to the Middle East.

He replied: 'She’s alright, thank you very much. Once you get to 95, it’s not quite as easy as it used to be. It’s bad enough at 73!' referencing his own birthday last week.

The royal is on a mini tour of the Middle East which has included a lavish dinner at Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman yesterday evening, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Umm Qais, the site of the ancient city of Gadara, on Wednesday morning.

The second day of their visit, delayed by almost two years due to the Covid pandemic, saw the couple turn tourists as they made the 75-mile hop north of the Jordanian capital to the town of Umm Qais - where Jesus was said to have performed one of his seven miracles.

The Prince, who turned 73 on Sunday, and Camilla, 74, were accompanied on the early morning walking tour by Jordanian Princess Dana Firas, 51, a global advocate for the ancient religious site's ongoing preservation - alongside a significant additional entourage.

Keeping cool in the desert sun, the Prince of Wales opted for a light, camel-hued suit with a striped tie and white checked shirt and a comfy-looking pair of beige shoes, while Camilla wore a sage-coloured Fiona Clare floral dress - with low-heeled court shoes in caramel.

This afternoon, it was back to the capital for Charles and Camilla, as the Duchess met students and teachers at the Princess Taghreed Secondary Girls School in the city and the Prince heard the stories of refugees at the Al Nuzha Community Centre.

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Day two! Prince Charles, 73, and Camilla, 74, arrived in Umm Qais, the site of the ancient city of Gadara, this morning for a walking tour around the historic ruins, which lie two hours' drive north of the Jordanian capital of Amman, where the couple enjoyed an extravagant dinner at Al Husseiniya Palace on Tuesday evening (Pictured: Charles and Camilla on the main Roman street at Umm Qais)

The Prince of Wales admires his portrait given to him by the Syrian refugee artist Faihaa, 38, during a visit to the Al Nuzha Community Centre in Jordan, on the second day of the Royal tour of the Middle East

You've got one's likeness! The Prince of Wales admires the portrait given to him by Syrian refugee artist Faihaa

The royal was on jovial form this afternoon in Jordan as he met four-year-old Salapelo while visiting the community centre

The Prince chatted to a little boy as he enjoyed a ride on the swings in the centre's playground, he told those he met 'I wish I could do more'

The boy and the royal share a laugh, with the heir-to-the-throne enjoying another busy day in the Jordanian capital

The Prince of Wales listens intently as he hears the stories of refugees who've been helped by the Al Nuzha Community Centre

A natural! The Duchess, who is president of the Women of the World Foundation (WOW) tenderly held baby girl Sarah Abu Ameerah as she attended the WOW event at Manara Arts and Culture gallery in Amman on Wednesday afternoon

The royal looked to be enjoying the encounter with the adorable baby girl ahead of addressing attendees at the Women of the World Foundation (WOW) event

Wearing a WOW pin badge, Camilla chatted to the baby's mother as they discussed the issues facing women in the Middle East

The charity fights for a gender equal world

Camilla made an impassioned speech on Wednesday afternoon as she addressed those attending the Women of the World Foundation (WOW) event. The charity fights for a gender equal world

An upgrade for Clarence House? Jordan's first female plumber Khawla Al-Sheikh shows off a tap-inspired artwork

Khawla Al-Sheikh, left, launched a woman-only plumbing course, also taught by a woman, in 2007

Camilla, in her role as President of the Women of the World Foundation (WOW), later gave an impassioned speech on the importance of a gender equal world at the Manara Arts and Culture gallery.

Across town, on jovial form despite another busy day, the Prince of Wales offered to take 'posing lessons' from a little refugee girl he met in the playground, after being wowed by her star turn in front of the camera.

Salsapela, aged four, enchanted photographers during a visit to a community centre in Jordan, where the Prince met refugee families getting back on their feet after being forced to flee their homes.

As Prince Charles was shown around a small playground, where primary school-aged children were using the swings and slides, he swapped English lessons with young learners and admired their skills.

Meeting with adult refugees forced to start new jobs after arriving in Jordan, he was given a range of handmade gifts including a sketch portrait of himself and a pot of local honey.

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He promised to send a pot of his own Highgrove honey back to the beekeeper, saying he was 'thrilled' to have his first taste of the Jordanian version.

'I wish I could do more,' he told volunteers at the Al Nuzha Community Centre, which is supported by UNHRC (UN High Commission for Refugees).

During the visit, the Prince saw their work in a computer lab, where children were brushing up on their skills, and spent time in the playground.

As he spoke to staff, little Salsapela, originally from Sudan, sidled up to the group and began to pose for the watching media.

Catching sight of her, the delighted Prince beamed and leaned over to tell her: 'I saw you playing with all the cameras. I could pick up a thing or two!'

Asking her, through a translator, about her English lessons, she declared proudly: 'This is a frog.'

He politely ignored the non-existence of any frog to congratulate her: 'Well done!'

Introduced to nine-year-old Elias, from Iraq, the Prince asked about his school lessons and heard he was getting very good grades.

'Can you say a word in English?' he asked.

Told 'this is a frog' again, he pointed at the swing and, winking, joked that the children might like to learn 'this is a swing' next.

'My Arabic is not as good as your English,' he said, smiling.

The Prince then met refugee families receiving UK assistance through UNHCR. Unable to work in Jordan, they receive basic financial help and support to help them rebuild their lives.

The Community Centre provides a safe space for refugees to gather, exchange ideas, engage in community life and strengthen their sense of belonging, with lessons designed to build self-reliance in their new home.

They included Louai, a nurse, and Rana, a Christian family with three children who had to flee Mosul, Iraq in 2015, when Daesh overtook their city.

During the visit, the 73-year-old royal stopped to plant a tree to symbolise the UK-Jordanian partnership and in celebration of the centenary anniversary for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Camilla looks on as Charles shovels soil around the trees base in a gesture of friendship to the Kingdom of Hashemite

The tree planting recognises the strong ally that the Middle Eastern country has been to the UK in recent decades

It was an active morning for the 73-year-old Prince of Wales, pictured raising soil from a wheelbarrow to transfer to the tree's roots

A second family, Nidal and Hanan fled their home in Daraa, Syria in 2013 alongside their three children.

Asking them about their old lives and jobs and how they were rebuilding, the Prince told them: 'I'm so glad you have this place.'

In a group meeting volunteers, the Prince shook his head sorrowfully as he heard their stories.

'I so feel for you,' he said. 'You are marvellous for volunteering. Fantastic. I'm so impressed by how you are managing these challenges.'

At a final station in the community centre, the Prince met refugees helped by the International Rescue Committee, of which he is patron.

They included Rania, a 20-year-old writer, Sumaya a 31-year-old aircraft maintenance engineering, and Mariam, 37, who makes crafts out of recycled materials.

The women, who are all receiving support designed for women's empowerment through the IRC, told the Prince their stories of fleeing their home countries.

'I do sympathise,' the Prince told them. 'I hope the IRC is helping you.'

Back in Amman, Camilla paid a visit to Princess Taghreed Secondary Girls School, where she was met by Jordan's Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research Prof Wajih Owais

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The royal, wearing a Fiona Clare dress, is pictured receiving gifts from a pupil at the secondary school in the capital city

Camilla has taken a strong interest in women's issues in the Middle East, and today met students and teachers at the Princess Taghreed Secondary Girls School

Camilla looked radiant despite a busy week; the Duchess teamed her emerald Fiona Clare dress with gold pearl drop earrings

The royal, wearing a navy blue smartwatch on her left hand, is pictured arriving at the secondary school earlier today

Camilla, sitting in front of an Arabic word chart, looked to welcome the chance to sit down following the couple's active walking tour earlier on Wednesday

Jordan's Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof Wajih Owais, chats to the Duchess of Cornwall as they watch a performance by students at the school

Quite an audience! Pupils tell the Duchess of Cornwall about their experiences as the country's schools minister looks on

Ahead of a visit to their next stop, Egypt, the couple browsed the ruins in Gadara, as it was known in the 4th Century BC

Charles listens intently as the couple turn tourists to enjoy a tour of the religious settlement, where Jesus was said to have performed one of his seven miracles

Prince Charles then met Hudaifa, 30, who is a Jordanian and passionate beekeeper, and hopes to make it his full-time job after receiving a business grant through the IRC and joining its business training programme.

The Prince, who produces his own honey at Highgrove, quizzed him on where he keeps his bees and what kind of trees or plants they feed from.

Listening carefully, the Prince said: 'I tell you, I love Syrian honey, it's remarkable.

'I'm very very grateful for this. Are you sure you can spare it?'

Before he left the engagement, he told staff from the British Embassy he would like to send some of his own honey back to Hudaifa.

'I wish I could do more,' he said, of the visit overall.

'I'm thrilled with the honey. I'd like to send back one of mine. We'll attempt it! Whether it reaches you…'

Told of the Prince's intentions afterwards, Hudaifa said he was 'very happy' and would treasure it.

The most impressive gift of all was a pencil sketch of the Prince himself by Faihaa, 38, who fled Damascus with her husband and three children after a bomb exploded near them.

She now runs an art workshop in Amman.

'Wow,' the Prince said as he saw her work, before posing for a photograph with her.

She included a hand-written note on the back of the picture, asking the Prince for help and telling him: 'We are not seeking asylum, we want the chance to work and be active in society.'

Camilla chats to youngsters about their work during a breather from the couple's walking tour of the hilltop settlement

The royal raises a hand in greeting as she arrives to meet the schoolchildren, taking time to discuss their drawings

Boys and girls colour in pictures in the classroom as the Duchess of Cornwall chats to their teacher

When asked by Princess Dana about his attendance at Cop26, the royal told her it was 'amazing', saying the UN climate conference produced 'quite a lot of success'

Charles breaks into a smile as the couple pose for photos on the main avenue of the historic site, which features in the bible

The British royals adjust their shades as the bright desert sun dazzles at the Roman Decapolis city

On the trail of Christ: The couple are seen walking alongside Jordanian Princess Dana as they make their way through the site's ruins

In Umm Qais, earlier, the group wandered the main dusty avenue through the archaeological ruins, which date back to the 3rd century, BC Charles and Camilla learned about the site's rich tapestry of history including Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine and Early Muslim influences.

The royals planted a tree to mark the UK's strong relationship with the Middle Eastern country, and Charles took time to chat to Slovakian tourists about meeting their president at this month's Cop26 summit in Glasgow.

When also asked by Jordan's Princess Dana about his attendance at the UN climate conference, the royal told her it was 'amazing', saying it had produced 'quite a lot of success'.

The couple posed briefly for photos on the Main Street, with the colonnades and ancient ruins behind to highlight the rich tourism in the region.

During the walkabout, Charles also stopped to plant a tree to symbolise the UK-Jordanian partnership and in celebration of the centenary anniversary for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The ancient site, now known as Umm Qais, appears in the bible as Gadara and remains one of Jordan's biggest tourist attractions.

The Roman ruins can be seen behind the couple - the hilltop settlement remains one of the country's most popular attractions

As they wandered the main dusty path through the ruins - one of Jordan's most popular tourist attractions - Charles and Camilla learned about the site's rich tapestry of history including Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine and Early Muslim influences

Both Charles, 73, and Camilla, 74, are keen walkers and took the rising temperatures and uneven terrain in their stride

Jordanian Princess Dana Firas, 51, who is a global advocate for the ancient site's ongoing preservation, played tour guide

The small Roman theatre - known at the West Theatre - is made from basalt, filled with limestone and earth - it would have seated around 3,000 spectators

Best foot forward! A significant entourage accompanied the couple as they climbed the steps of the historic amphitheatre - known as the West Theatre - in the Middle Eastern ancient metropolis, which lies 74 miles north of the Jordanian capital

Take it steady! Charles is pictured walking through the upper walls of the atmospheric West Theatre at Umm Qais

The couple's Middle East mini tour, which sees them head to Egypt next, has been in the diary since before the pandemic

Camilla strides on: The wife of the future king appeared to negotiate the steep stone steps at the amphitheatre with ease

The couple took in views of the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee, posing for photos at the hilltop settlement's highest point. Some of the region's most beautiful scenery, including the Syrian Golan Heights, Mount Hermon, Lake Tiberias and the north Palestinian plains could also be seen from the vantage point.

The city is said to be the place where Jesus carried out the 'miracle of the Gadarene swine' - freeing a man 'possessed by the devil' by casting his demons into pigs, according to the apostle Mark.

The royals showed off their fitness too, appearing to negotiate the steep stone steps at the site's amphitheatre with apparent ease, with Camilla leading the way.

Charles was heard saying: 'It's very hot' as he clambered up the flight of ancient steps.

Charles and Camilla stop to take a group photo with some of the workers who are helping to preserve the site, with the men wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets currently restoring a Roman mural

The Prince pictured under the arch of a building that houses the Umm Qais museum this morning

The heir browses a photo exhibition on the walls outside the museum; the site is housed in a building that dates back to the Ottoman empire

Charles protected his eyes from the Arabian sun with a pair of stylish-looking Serengeti sunglasses in light brown

The royals listen in as Princess Dana Firas, who is married to Jordan's Prince Firas Bin Raad, explains the site's fascinating past

Looking dapper! Charles opted for a camel-hued suit while Camilla wore a sage-coloured Fiona Clare floral dress - with both choosing comfortable shoes for the early morning walking tour

The heir to the British throne and the Duchess of Cornwall have received the warmest of welcomes from the Middle Eastern country, long seen as an ally to both the royal family and the Government

They also took in the work carried out by Turquoise Mountain, founded by Charles in 2006, and the Newton-Khalidi Fund which raises money to revive historic craftsman's skills.

'Are you having fun rebuilding it?' he asked a group of workmen busy putting together a Roman mosaic.

In its time Umm Qais has been as a cultural centre and has been the of several classical poets and philosophers, including Theodorus, founder of a rhetorical school in Rome, and was once called 'a new Athens'.

On the trade route between Syria and Palestine, Gadara was a popular holiday resort for Romans.

The West Theatre, located along the main Roman Street, resembles a Colosseum and had the capacity to seat three thousand spectators.

As they arrived Charles made a detour after bumping into a group of delighted tourists from Slovakia.

He said to them: 'I saw your President (Zuzana Caputova) in Glasgow. We had a very enjoyable conversation.

'I have happy memories of bring there years ago and she said I must come back. I hope you are enjoying all of this.'

Lenka Kodajova, 39, tour guide at Baloo, said: 'It has really made our trip. It was wonderful to see them'.

It was then back to the capital, with Camilla spending some time at the Princess Taghreed Secondary Girls School.

The royal has been vocal about her interest in issues facing women and young girls in the Middle East and spent time chatting to both students and teachers at the school.

Quite a view: The British royals looked to enjoying their second day, stopping to take in the spectacular views across Umm Qais

Both Charles and Camilla donned their sunglasses for the visit to the arid site of Umm Qais

It was an early start for the couple after they dined at Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman with their royal hosts on Tuesday evening

Camilla has unearthed her summer dresses for the trip, with Jordan currently basking in winter temperatures of 22 degrees

Camilla and Queen Rania pictured on Tuesday evening, after a packed day's schedule that saw the British royals spend time with King Abdullah II and the queen at Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman and visit various charity projects and the holy waters of the River Jordan - before returning to the palace for a lavish private dinner

Let's take some home! The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall dipped their fingers in water from the holy River Jordan which is used to baptise royal babies - with Charles rumoured to have requested bottles of the water to take home for future royal baptisms

Then they bent down and each dipped their fingers in (pictured) before walking carefully back up the path to sign a visitor's book

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are welcomed by King Abdullah II, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah and Crown Prince Hussein at the Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman, Jordan, on the first day of their tour of the Middle East on Tuesday

The British royals have received a warm welcome so far in the Middle Eastern country, which is seen as a strong ally for the Government; the couple will head to Egypt later in the week.

The start of the trip saw Charles and Camilla rattle through a packed schedule on their first official day in Jordan including visiting the spectacular Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman, where they were hosted by King Abdullah II and Queen Rania.

On Tuesday afternoon, they flew by helicopter to one of the most important religious sites in Jordan and were given the great honour of walking down to the riverbed where it is believed Jesus Christ was baptised.

And last night, Charles and Camilla were back at Al Husseiniya Palace, this time in their finery, to attend a private banquet hosted by the Jordanian king and queen.

The couple's Tuesday afternoon helicopter visit to the UNESCO world heritage site, situated in the Jordan Valley, north of the Dead Sea and on the border with Israel, saw them spending time at a site that welcomes pilgrims from across the world and has been authenticated by all major Christian Church leaders as one of the three holiest sites of Christianity, along with Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

During their visit, the prince and his wife walked gingerly down some well-worn steps and a steep, pebbly path to the water, where they stood for a few moments in quiet reflection.

Then they bent down and each dipped their fingers in, Charles first followed by Camilla, before walking carefully back up the path to sign a visitor's book.

It's thought that the heir-to-the-throne took 'five or six dozen bottles' of Holy water taken from the River Jordan back to the UK for royal baptisms - which could include that of Lilibet, the grand-daughter he has never met.