King Charles to Slow Food: remember Carlo Petrini call, “those who sow utopia reap reality”

“It is with a particular sense of deep sadness and loss that I send you this message for the opening of the sixteenth edition of Terra Madre, the first since the sudden and tragic passing of the incomparable Carlo Petrini. I can only imagine how different this year gathering will be without his unique and special presence. I have the fondest possible memories of Carlo throughout all the years in which I had the privilege of knowing him. Above all, I cherish the memories of a Slow Food restaurant to which he took me in Florence a few years ago (as explained on WineNews, ed), run by one of his old friends, an indomitable character whose overall approach embodied the cultural and culinary essence of the Slow Food movement.
I have never enjoyed a dinner so much, nor laughed so much, with two individuals so irresistibly memorable. All of my encounters with Carlo meant a great deal to me. His passion, his fervent humanity and his sense of humour always lifted my spirits and, like so many others, I shall miss his vital and irreplaceable presence in our lives more than I could ever say”. The letter sent by His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom and read by the British Ambassador to Italy, Stephen Hickey, at Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Turin (running from today until September 27th), during the opening ceremony paying tribute to the anniversary No. 40 of Slow Food and its founder, Carlin Petrini begins in this way. The letter confirmed the bond between the two “Charleses”, forged when the first was still Prince of Wales and strengthened through his many visits to Italy, the latest in Ravenna, with the now-famous embrace that transcended protocol between the King and Carlin in front of Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who officially opened today event in Turin. Their relationship grew through the many occasions on which they met around the world, sharing ideas and visions (we recalled him in the crowning of King-farmer Charles III). Petrini, founder of the world largest movement advocating the right to pleasure and to good, clean and fair food for all, revolutionised, across two centuries, the way individuals and institutions approach the agri-food system. King Charles, for his part, has long been an environmentalist, farmer, champion of sustainability and Slow Food supporter, as well as a discerning gourmet.
“The last time I saw Carlo was in Ravenna, during our memorable State visit to Italy last year - King Charles recalls in his letter - when he introduced me to some of the wonderful people who continue to nurture Italy rich Slow Food tradition. That memory will remain especially precious because every time our paths crossed, my affection and admiration for him only deepened. He represented sanity, humanity and civic values in a world so desperately in need of them... Although Carlo has left us, his legacy remains very much alive. His invitation to attend the first Terra Madre gathering in 2004 proved unforgettable in every respect and made an immense impression on me. Now, more than twenty years later, the mission of the Slow Food movement appears more crucial and urgent than ever. I am greatly encouraged that this year gathering will focus on biodiversity as the foundation of Nature. Biodiversity underpins not only the good, clean and fair food for which all of you work so tirelessly, but also the essential Harmony upon which all life and prosperity depend. In these anxious and challenging times - concludes King Charles in the letter - I can only urge you to remain ambitious and hopeful by remembering Carlo exhortation: “Those who sow utopia reap reality”. I pray that Carlo spirit will guide you and that your deliberations will bear much fruit”.