A speech by HRH The Prince of Wales at the Durbar in Manhiya Palace, Kumasi, Ghana
Published
We are both tremendously touched by the warmth of the welcome that we have received here today and can only say how much we admire and appreciate its wonderful celebration of your culture.
Your Majesty, it gives my wife and myself the greatest possible pleasure to be here in the Ashante Kingdom, and to join you, Your Majesty, and the Ashante people for the celebrations of the Akwasi Dai, which I know is of such great significance to you all.
I also have particularly fond memories of being here in 1977, when I was so graciously received by Your Majesty’s uncle, His Late Majesty Opuku Ware, and have long anticipated this opportunity to return.
More recently, I have had the pleasure of making your acquaintance, Your Majesty, and of joining you at Glasgow University in 2001 at the ceremony to mark the university’s 550th anniversary, when we were both awarded Honorary Doctorates.
On this visit to Ghana as we celebrate a partnership between our two countries, as well as many special ties which binds us with our unique Commonwealth family, it was so important to my wife and to myself that we should come to Kumasi, to pay our respects to Your Majesty and to honour the traditions and values of your kingdom, which continues to play such an essential role in Ghana’s vibrant democracy.
We are both tremendously touched by the warmth of the welcome that we have received here today and can only say how much we admire and appreciate its wonderful celebration of your culture.
Your Majesty, in honour of the traditions and customs of the Ashante, I have brought with me gifts to present to Your Majesty....
Medaase Paaa (Thank You)
Related content
Remarks by The King at 'A King's Trust Celebration' at the Royal Albert Hall
You'll all make a huge difference to this country and many others.
A speech by His Majesty The King at the White House State Dinner, Washington
Tonight, we are here to renew an indispensable alliance which has long been a cornerstone of prosperity and security for both British and American citizens. Our people have...
The King's Commonwealth Day Message 2026
Working together, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to stand as a force for good – grounded in community, committed to the kind of restorative sustainability that...
A message from The King on the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson
My wife and I were deeply saddened to hear of the death of the Reverend Jesse Jackson. We send our deepest sympathy to his family. I remember with great fondness meeting him...
A message from The King ahead of a reception at Windsor Castle to celebrate carers
So to those who provide care - whether you wear a uniform or simply the clothes you felt able to pull on in the morning - please know that the great love you show in small...
A message from The King, following the attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia
My wife and I were profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the most dreadful attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia. We can only express our deepest...
Announcement of a State Visit by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
A speech by His Majesty The King at the Lord High Admiral’s Divisions Parade, Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth
My own service taught me that leadership is not about rank; it is, and has always been, about character. It is about making sound decisions under pressure, holding firm to our...
A message from The King in support of Stand Up To Cancer
Throughout my own cancer journey, I have been profoundly moved by what I can only call the 'community of care' that surrounds every cancer patient - the specialists, the...
State Visit by The President of The Federal Republic of Germany and Ms. Büdenbender
03 December 2025
A message from The King to the people of South and Southeast Asia following devastating floods across the region.
My wife and I are deeply saddened to learn of the devastation caused by the terrible storms across South and Southeast Asia. We can only begin to imagine the scale of...
A message from The King to the people of Hong Kong following the devastating fire in Tai Po.
My wife and I were greatly saddened to learn of the devastating fire in Tai Po and feel deeply for the people of Hong Kong at such a tragic time. Our most heartfelt thoughts...
A message of condolence from His Majesty The King following the passing of Manfred Goldberg, Holocaust survivor and educator.
My wife and I were most deeply saddened to hear the news of Manfred Goldberg’s recent death and, together with everyone present, mourn his great loss in our hearts and souls...
A message from The King to the people of Jamaica and all those across the Caribbean affected by Hurricane Melissa
My wife and I have been deeply concerned and profoundly saddened to see the catastrophic damage caused by the ferocity of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and across the Caribbean...