Prince Charles has jokingly compared himself to a 900-year-old cathedral.
The 69-year-old royal made a quip about "stopping bits falling off" when he visited Durham Cathedral yesterday (15.02.18), where he praised the impressive building’s authorities and fundraisers for their efforts in keeping the structure in tip top condition.
According to the Evening Chronicle website, he said: "Maintaining a cathedral and stopping bits falling off it, which, as I reach an increasing age…"
During his trip to the cathedral – which was constructed between 1093 and 1133 – the royal paid tribute to Olivia Burt, a Durham University student who sadly passed away outside a nightclub last week.
Stuart Corbridge, vice-chancellor and Warden of Durham University, said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Olivia’s parents, Paula and Nigel, and everyone who knew and loved Olivia as so many did and do."
Charles’ visit of the city also saw him meet staff and students at the university, and he received a congratulations card to be passed onto his son Prince Harry and his fiancée Meghan Markle.
Stuart added: "We were honoured to welcome Prince Charles to Durham University and delighted he was able to meet a number of our staff and students.
"We are very proud of our students who performed in the Cathedral as part of the concert marking the centenary of the death of Sir Hubert Parry and the rousing rendition of ‘Jerusalem’ is a memory that will remain with all of us for a long time."
It’s been another busy week for Charles, who was joined by Harry earlier this week at a meeting organised by The Prince’s International Sustainability Unit.
During the meeting, Charles gave a moving speech in which he urged those gathered to allow the coral reefs to "heal themselves", because it may be the last chance they have.
He said: "The speed of the ecological marine cataclysm that we have engendered is such that not only will our children be faced with the monochrome legacy of the graveyard of destroyed reefs and the collapse of marine biodiversity, but the majority of us alive today will stand witness to the process.
"How, Ladies and Gentlemen, is it possible that, as apparently intelligent beings, we can allow this to happen?"
Prince Charles compares himself to 900-year-old cathedral
