Royal encounter for Team TCI, Prince and Duchess invited to visit

#GoldCoast, Australia – April 4, 2018 – TeamTCI experienced a royal encounter at the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games being staged on the Gold Coast of Australia; the delegates met Prince Charles and his wife, Duchess of Cornwall Camilla.

“They both were extremely friendly, down to earth and very engaging. For me, it was a truly memorable experience,” said Walter Gardiner Sr who is accompanying his wife, Rita Gardiner. Mrs. Gardiner is Secretary General of the TCI Commonwealth Games Association.

The brief but meaningful exchange was arranged at the request of Prince Charles, who expressed an ardent interest in a courtesy meeting with Caribbean Commonwealth nations.

“He wanted to briefly meet a small group of representatives from the Caribbean, about 20, in the VIP Lounge. We actually met briefly with the Duchess Camilla, followed by Prince Charles and his entourage.”

The Turks and Caicos was in that select group naturally, and included the new Minister of Sports, Hon Edwin Astwood. Photographs of the moments were shared with Magnetic Media.

“As we were waiting the commencement of the Games, a member of the organising committee approached us and asked us if we would like to meet Prince Charles. Of coarse, we responded in the affirmative.”

Walter Gardiner Sr, accompanying his wife Rita Gardiner who is a pioneering Commonwealth Games honouree shared his personal perspective and what happened when Prince Charles greeted him…

“We shook hands with them both and we spoke briefly about the possibility of them visiting the TCI in the very near future. They both stated that they were very, very much in love with the TCI; (that) it was a beautiful place and they’d probably be visiting us very soon.”

Mr. Gardiner said he was further enthralled by the fantastic show put on by the Gold Coast. A combination of aboriginal heritage and a creative highlight of one of the words most famous beach destinations.

“For me, the event was absolutely spectacular. An absolutely mind blowing experience attended by over 35,000 people with over 10,000 security and police personnel.”

Seventy-one Commonwealth nations are participating in the 2018 Games, which are for the fifth time being hosted by Australia.