King Charles III ended Tuesday with a meeting with locals his visit to Transylvania, a picturesque region of Romania dear to his heart that he chose for his first trip abroad since the coronation.
He was greeted in the village of Viscri by a small crowd of residents and tourists, curious to catch a glimpse of the ruler before his return to the United Kingdom.
'Transylvania in blood'
They were able to exchange handshakes and words with him, some even offering him books, including Shakespeare. Charles III then visited the famous blue house he bought in 2006, now transformed into a small museum dedicated to his passion for botany. "He has done a lot to promote Romania and the environment," said Radu Marinovici, 75, from a nearby village. "It's a surprise that he visits us so soon after his coronation but he has a strong connection with Romania, where he can find tranquility and rest."
The king, who came without his wife Camilla, is very popular in these places with a timeless atmosphere. Arriving Friday in Bucharest, where he was received by President Klaus Iohannis, he quickly headed for Transylvania. He spent the weekend at his property in Valea Zalanului, 100 km away, enjoying hikes and picnics with the locals.
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The British sovereign prides himself on being a distant relative of a fifteenth-century prince known as Vlad the Impaler, who inspired the character of Count Dracula, and he has, in his own words, "Transylvania in his blood."
After discovering the area in 1998, this staunch environmentalist became an ardent protector of these villages founded in the 12th century by Saxon settlers. Several heritage rehabilitation projects have emerged under his leadership. "He put us on the world map," said Ana Iosif, 75, on her doorstep. "There are so many tourists here now!"