The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall traveled to Germany on Sunday, making their first overseas trip since the Covid pandemic began. They also became the first British royals to attend Germany’s Day of Mourning ceremony in Berlin, a move designed to bring the nations closer together in the wake of Brexit.
During a personal speech Charles spoke about the bond of friendship between the two countries, the “connection” between its people and that they would “always be friends.”
The comments also included the most overt reference the future king has made about Brexit: “The United Kingdom has chosen a future outside the European Union, and the relationship between our countries is evolving once again.”
Camilla was once again seen wearing the iconic poppy face mask, worn to support the Royal British Legion, during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Neue Wache memorial.
It was a landmark weekend for Charles for numerous other reasons as well. Saturday marked his 72nd birthday, and last week saw the launch of the collaboration between YOOX Net-a-Porter and The Prince’s Foundation— an eight-piece capsule collection of sustainable clothing, designed by young artisans from the UK and Italy. Royal aides have told Vanity Fair the collection is flying off the shelves, with several items on the verge of selling out.
“It’s selling out very quickly,” said an aide. The cardigan and the dress from the women’s line have nearly sold out.”
Charles, a lifelong environmentalist who has spoken about wearing the same clothes for decades, partnered with Yoox Net-a-Porter Group chairman and CEO Federico Marchetti to create the capsule collection that is the opposite of fast fashion.
“These are one-off pieces and once the collection is gone it’s gone,” the aide continued. “They are very special pieces and all profits outside of the cost of making the clothes go to The Prince’s Foundation to fund further training schemes. The prince will be delighted with the sales figures. He really believes in this project and in training craftsmen. They have all worked very hard on this.”
More Great Stories From Vanity Fair
— The Apolitical Celebrity, an Obituary
— How Meghan Markle Wound Up With Princess Diana’s Favorite Watch
— Jennifer Farber, Fotis Dulos, and the True Scope of a Suburban Tragedy
— What Does Justice Look Like in the NXIVM Saga?
— Madonna, Claudia Schiffer, and More, as Only Helmut Newton Could Capture Them
— Ghislaine Maxwell’s Unsealed Epstein Deposition Sheds Light on Her Mystery
— Nine Power Looks Inspired by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
— From the Archive: Trail of Guilt
— Not a subscriber? Join Vanity Fair to receive full access to VF.com and the complete online archive now.