After a busy first day of their official mini tour of the Middle East, including a lavish dinner at Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman yesterday evening, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Umm Qais, the site of the ancient city of Gadara, on Wednesday morning. The second day of their visit, delayed by almost two years due to the Covid pandemic, saw the couple turn into tourists as they made the 75-mile hop north of the Jordanian capital to the town of Umm Qais, where Jesus was said to have performed one of his seven miracles.
Day two! The Prince, who turned 73 on Sunday, and Camilla, 74, were accompanied on the early morning walking tour by Jordanian Princess Dana Firas, 51, a global advocate for the ancient religious site’s ongoing preservation and a significant additional entourage.
Ahead of a visit to their next stop, Egypt, the couple browsed the ruins in Gadara, as it was known in the 4th Century BC.
Charles listens intently as the couple enjoys a tour of the religious settlement.
Charles breaks into a smile as the couple pose for photos on the main avenue of the historic site, which is featured in the Bible.
As they wandered the main dusty path through the ruins – one of Jordan’s most popular tourist attractions – Charles and Camilla learned about the site’s rich tapestry of history, including Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine and Early Muslim influences.
Jordanian Princess Dana Firas, 51, who is a global advocate for the ancient site’s ongoing preservation, played tour guide.
Best foot forward! A significant entourage accompanied the couple as they climbed the steps of the historic amphitheater in the Middle Eastern ancient metropolis, which lies 74 miles north of the Jordanian capital.
Camilla strides on: The wife of the future king appeared to negotiate the steep stone steps at the amphitheater with ease.
During the visit, the 73-year-old royal stopped to plant a tree to symbolize the UK-Jordanian partnership and in celebration of the centenary anniversary for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
The royals listen in as Princess Dana Firas, who is married to Jordan’s Prince Firas Bin Raad, explains the site’s fascinating history.
Looking dapper! Charles opted for a camel-hued suit while Camilla wore a sage-colored ditzy floral dress – with both choosing comfortable shoes for the early morning walking tour.
The heir to the British throne and the Duchess of Cornwall have received the warmest of welcomes from the Middle Eastern country, long seen as an ally to both the royal family and the Government.
Quite a view: The British royals looked to enjoying their second day, stopping to take in the spectacular views across Umm Qais.
Both Charles and Camilla donned their sunglasses for the visit to the arid site of Umm Qais.
It was an early start for the couple after they dined at Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman with their royal hosts on Tuesday evening.
Camilla has unearthed her summer dresses for the trip, with Jordan currently basking in winter temperatures of 72F (22C) degrees.
Camilla and Queen Rania pictured on Tuesday evening, after a packed day’s schedule that saw the British royals spend time with King Abdullah II and the queen at Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman and visit various charity projects as well as the holy waters of the River Jordan before returning to the palace for a lavish private dinner.
Let’s take some home! The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall dipped their fingers in water from the holy River Jordan, which is used to baptize royal babies. Charles is rumored to have requested bottles of the water to take home for future royal baptisms.
Then, the royal couple bent down and each dipped their fingers in the water (pictured) before walking carefully back up the path to sign a visitor’s book.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were welcomed by King Abdullah II, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah and Crown Prince Hussein at the Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman, Jordan, on the first day of their tour of the Middle East on Tuesday.
Queen Rania looked stylish in a cream kaftan dress bedazzled with gems on the sleeves and the belt for the private dinner.
The elegant Queen of Jordan, who was sporting a glamorous look, led the Duchess of Cornwall inside the palace.
The Duchess of Cornwall wore a very elegant cream floor-length dress with long sleeves, which she paired with a silver clutch.
The Prince of Wales looked sharp in a black suit, crisp white shirt and a pink tie and pocket square, as he was greeted by King Abdullah II ahead of the private dinner.
Camilla beamed as she made her way to the glamorous dinner. She held her dress to reveal a pair of golden heels.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were all smiles as they arrived at the Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman, Jordan, earlier in the day.
Queen Rania and Camilla later visited the Queen Rania Family and Children Center in Amman.
The prince and his wife walked gingerly down some well-worn steps and a steep, pebbly path to the water, where they stood for a few moments in quiet reflection (pictured).
Charles and Camilla flew by helicopter to one of the most important religious sites in Jordan and were given the great honor of walking down to the riverbed where it is believed Jesus Christ was baptized (pictured).
Pictured: Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall visiting the baptism site of al-Maghtas, where Jesus is believed by Christians to have been baptized by John the Baptist.
The royal couple (pictured) held hands as they walked down the steps toward the riverbed.
Prince Charles, who donned a smart grey suit, bent down and dipped his fingers in the holy River Jordan.
Camilla then followed, before the royal couple paused and took a moment to reflect.
The Duchess of Cornwall was seen bending down and dipping her fingers in water from the holy River Jordan.
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall leave the site where Christians believe Jesus was baptized.
Pictured: The Prince of Wales signs the guest book as his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, looks on.
The royal visitors were given a guided tour of the area (pictured) and were even offered the opportunity to sit in John the Baptist’s cave for a few moments quietly together.
Prince Charles signed the guest book as he and Camilla visited the baptism site of al-Maghtas.