Happy
Birthday pensioner King to be ... though I’m sure he’ll be happy to wait a
while longer ...
...
after a hesitant start, and who wouldn’t in the harsher circumstances of the
1950s and 1960s; Prince William by those standards has a lot to be grateful for that
he is growing into the role now ...
However
Charles is a passionate philanthropist – who has always been interested in healing
and making things better in the world – and he has pursued those ambitions with
a refreshing honesty and sheer hard work.
 |
| Arms of the Duchy of Cornwall |
As his
birthday present ... the Queen ‘decided’ he should represent her at the
Commonwealth Heads of Government in Sri Lanka ... it is the first time the
Queen has not attended the Conference, another indication of the Royal Family’s
resolute confidence in Prince Charles’ ability to lead ‘the Firm’ into the
future.
Twenty
plus years ago Duchy Originals, a brand of organic food, was originally set up
by Prince Charles, being named after the Duchy of Cornwall.
 |
| Fresh Roasted Vegetable Sauce |
The
brand sits in the high end of the market – i.e. premium organic food and drink
– but always good quality. Waitrose, an
upmarket supermarket, together with various independent retailers and various
charities, are the major outlets for the Duchy Original Products.
Duchy
Originals has now signed an exclusive deal with Waitrose, who will be expanding
the range from 200 to 500 products and will continue the tradition of donating
royalties to charity – Prince Charles will continue his involvement with the
brand.
 |
| Fenland Celery (PGI status) |
This ties
in with an article I read in the free ‘Waitrose
Weekend’ about Fenland Celery, which I picked up when I was in Suffolk ... a
heritage crop that joins 54 other British foodstuffs recognised by Europe.
The UK
has few food and drink products that have protected status partly because of
the industrialisation of agriculture ...
The Protected Food Names scheme was introduced
throughout Europe in 1992 to protect cultural methods and knowledge and help
specialist products stand out ... and the three different designations are ...
 |
| Melton Mowbray Pork Pies (PGI status) |
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is the
status for its high quality, history and links to the local area. Fenland Celery has PGI status, while others
are the Cornish Pasty and Melton Mowbray pork pie.
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) covers
produce from a specific region ... eg Stilton – can only be made in the three
counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire conforming to a
strict code.
 |
| Blue Stilton (PDO status) |
Which
is somewhat ridiculous as the village of Stilton, after which the cheese was
named, is in Cambridgeshire ... and thus cannot use the Stilton name ... crazy
or what ... !
 |
| Early species of Gloucester Old Spot - painted in 1834 by John Myles (both Prince Charles and Princess Anne breed these particular pigs) (TSG status) |
Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) foods
have to be produced under a quality scheme for traditional foods, ensuring
unique qualities irrespective of where a product originates.
Gloucestershire
Old Spots Pig Breeders’ Club was awarded the TSG status for their purebred,
pedigree pigs ... the Club actively pursues traders who miss-label meat trying to
pass it off as Gloucester Old Spot pork.
 |
| Isle of Man 'Queenie' (PDO status) |
Other
countries have similar arrangements ... eg Vidalia onions from Vidalia, Georgia
(USA) ... Columbia has coffee ...
While Geographical Indication status - another
worldwide definition ... eg for Mallige
Jasmine, in Mysore, India, provides Intellectual Property Rights to the local
community to cultivate the crop for 10 years ... the GI Tag or Patent protects
that jasmine industry and excludes others outside the specific geographical
region to sell under the same name.
 |
| Jersey Royals (PDO status) |
Over
and above all the bureaucratic paper work ... and constant enforcement, or watching
for illegal trading ... I admire all who pursue their dreams ...
 |
| Arbroath Smokies (PGI status) |
Prince
Charles at 65 is still outspoken, but is very knowledgeable about many subjects
and always willing to learn ... he deserves the happiness that has come to him
in later life. Life is difficult enough
at the best of times ...
So here’s
to everything that strives through life ... people, flora and fauna ... which
reminds me of the Seven Generations of Sustainability – an Iroquois Perspective
...
 |
| Rural England showing grazing sheep and fields of crops in the distance |
 |
| Rodda's Cornish Cream (PDO status) |
...
what effect will something we do today, both individually or as a community, or
as a peoples of this world, have on our future generations ... in every deliberation, we must consider the impact on the seventh generation
...
That is
a sobering thought, but one we should remember ... be forward thinking for our
children’s children ...
Happy
Birthday to a Duchy Original Prince ... and if there was some crusty, the best bit!, Cornish Cream around ... I'd have some on my strawberries or raspberries, which can still be found in the shops.
A very early post of mine on Jasmine and the film SlumDog Millionaire
Hilary
Melton-Butcher
Positive
Letters Inspirational Stories
50 comments:
What a lovely post. I seldom see anything positive about The Prince of Wales. I didn't know anything about Duchy Originals.
Love,
Janie
I never really thought about protecting geographical names for foods,but it does make sense. Buying Vidalia onions in the grocery store, I figure the variety was named for Vidalia, Georgia, but didn't know they had to be grown there.
It's crazy that Stilton cheese can't be made in Stilton, though!
That's particularly interesting as our local grocery store used to sell Melton Mowbray pies and suddenly they have disappeared. They could surely add the word "type" or "similar to" if that's the reason. Cornish Pasties too, lots of people make them, not just in Cornwall. We have a Scottish bakery close by that sells a very good home made one. You are talking about foods we love and many of which we miss. Especially cream. The cream here is very wishy washy compared to the stuff I used to get delivered to my home, let alone the Devon and Cornish varieties.
I too had never heard of the Duchy Line. Great. I am sure I would be a customer. Great article Hilary, but then yours always are.
Hi Hilary. I hope all is well. I hadn't heard of these protected food names before. Very interesting!
You've made me hungry today, Hilary! Love that Stilton.
Happy Birthday to Prince Charles. How about a traditional Cornish pasty, Hilary? You can only get the REAL thing in the Duchy!
Interesting article as ever, thank you :)
@ Janie - I'm glad you posted first .. poor Charles has had a rough time - being misunderstood for so long. The Duchy range of foods is delicious ...
@ Dianne - we have lots of protected varieties here, particularly on the continent .. eg Parmesan, sherry .. can only be used for specific products/regions ...
The Stilton aspect is cracked isn't it - or appears to be ...
@ Karen - glad you enjoy my range of foods I promoted!
@ Jo - regulation and naming is a minefield ... keeps it true to its origins. The whole caboodle of what you can or can't do .. is a right hotch-potch .. and I don't understand - someone must, I guess and hope!!
I know all those local varieties that are so specific to a region, an area or a product ... Cornish Cream being one of them .. but that can be made in Devon ... please don't ask!!!
Thanks Jo I appreciate your comment .. I thought people might be interested to know about the Duchy originals - but so right today for Prince Charles and the protected statuses of foods ...
@ Keith - sorry I've been AWOL a bit .. but glad you were interested in the post ...
@ Lee - food .. think what I've been think about all day! I too love stilton ...
@ Suzanne - yes I hope he's having a happy day hob-nobbing with heads of Governments! Not my idea of a birthday party ...
Yes please I will down for a real traditional Cornish Pasty ... so good ... and my mother made sure they were always freshly made and waiting for me when I visited!!!
Glad you enjoyed it ..
Thanks everyone - I was slightly worried about the info in the post - but it's interesting to have it here and so far you've enjoyed it!.. cheers Hilary
I saw a program recently on our public television network about Prince Charles and the gardens of Highgrove. It gave me a whole different viewpoint on him. Thank you for this post - I'm impressed with his organic food efforts, as well.
Oh Hilary! Yesterday I was at our local library and saw Prince Charles' book. I glanced over it and did not buy it (used book price) now I am no my way to try and do just that. Your blog made me want to find out more about this very interesting person.
Oh, that's right, I'd forgotten about that organic line - must look for it next time we're in England. Love trying all the cheeses :-)
Happy Birthday Charles I almost forgot your big day.
Hilary, you didn't mention The ginger fudge made with ginger from the Highgrove Estate and sold by Fortnum and Mason. One of my first purchases when I arrive in London.
Nice post, Hilary. I recently read an article about Prince Charles and organic gardening.
I never thought about names being protected. I'm so set in my eating habits, that I don't explore new foods. I especially don't think about what kind of pig my pork would come from. This is so interesting.
Well, happy birthday to Prince Charles. I did know about his interest in organics and sustainability. I think he has some association with an organic farm or commune in Wales, if I recall. Admirable. Good to have such a high profile voice encouraging more of that. Here in the US we're trying to enact laws just to have the growers reveal what the heck they've done to the food to genetically alter it, but not having much luck with disclosure.
That's really a coincidence ! Just yesterday I saw a whole reportage about the Duchy of Cornwall and the Duchy original products and guess where ? in Escape to the country, which I always watch not for the houses but for the reportage that goes along with it in each county.
@ Lynn - that's great that you were able to see the programme about Charles and his farm at Highgrove, and the gardens ...
He has a huge knowledge base and is always striving for more ... sadly organic food is suffering in these times of hardship ...
@ Tasha - how strange .. and I hope the book was still there to be bought when you returned. It'll be fascinating to hear what you think after you've read the book .. and what is it called?
@ Deniz - that's good - I'm sure the Duchy Brand will be at the airport in various places ...
But Waitrose is in London and I'm sure there are other outlets ... it appears in Fortnums apparently - not a shop I go into very often!
Our local artisan cheeses are delicious ... I'll share a platter with you!
@ Sylvia - there are so many other things going on .. especially the Philippines disaster, which is just dreadful to read about and see.
Well I can see I'll have to go to Fornum's and get some ginger fudge now ... and I've been wanting to have a look around - so that's a good excuse! Thanks for the tip off ...
@ Susanne - it's so good to know you're interested in reading up about him and his organic gardening ways. You've reminded me to get Country Life - which celebrates his life ... and will no doubt have many other aspects in the articles, which will prove enlightening.
@ Susan - I think I keep my eyes open .. but I try and eat seasonal foods and buy British.
Learning about the jasmine link taught me about the Geographical Indication status .. and then led me to other things - especially this Waitrose article when I saw it gave me a little more insight.
@ Luanna - Prince Charles is associated with many organic things and the Welsh commune link is very likely, living as to near to sustainability as possible.
Charles certainly opens the doors to lots of debate .. and highlights points of view that get reported on .. which is good.
Regulatory control is so difficult to comprehend, let alone deal with ... I can understand you're not having much luck.
@ Gattina - I occasionally watch that programme .. but if there's something about Cornwall I try and make a point of watching!
Thanks everyone - good to see you and hear your views and ideas - cheers Hilary
I hadn't realised there were so many different appellations - fascinating. I shop at Waitrose when I'm feeling flush or in need of a treat . . .
I've always enjoyed Prince Charles's views on architecture and on farming. I think he truly he often pulled the short straw throughout his life. Everyone deserves some happiness.
As I always do, Hilary, thoroughly enjoyed your post.
I read a profile on Charles the other day and honestly didn't realize the extent to which he has involved himself in so many wonderful causes. I found it so interesting!
Enjoyed reading this like always, Hilary. Happy weekend to you!
Hilary, I did go back and buy Prince Charles' book, "Harmony," published in 2010. The book describes his philosophy about everything! And if there is someway you could secretly send me your address, I would be very pleased to send you the book when I have finished reading it. Your blog has given me so much pleasure. There is a great deal to think about in his book, whether or not one agrees with him on everything.
@ Janice .. I sort of knew - but we gloss over things we really don't need to know. Waitrose is my nearest supermarket and I can walk there ... but as I struggle to carry things I tend to drive! But I can .. however I use other supermarkets or shops as fits in with my day ..
@ Talon - exactly .. people are coming round to Charles' point of view - and he is respected, even if he speaks his mind .. he opens the doors to discussion.
Thanks so much for the thumbs up - appreciated muchly!
@ Julie - well the Buckingham House/Clarence House world is bringing the light down on right now - he does seem so much more settled and happier .. and is acknowledged as having lots of wisdom and wise things to say ...
@ Tasha - gosh that's so generous and thoughtful .. I've just looked up the 'review' on Amazon .. and it does look an interesting book - I'll be fascinated to have it, when you've finished reading it.
It'll cost an arm and a leg to send over .. so please rethink if you'd like - but what a lovely offer.
He does 'toss out' some ideas for people to mull about .. as you say whether we agree or not we at least think about things ..
Thanks - I'm just so glad everyone seems to have recently read an article about his ideas or Highgrove his country farm and estate ... have great weekends - Hilary
well I do love food, so I enjoyed this yummy tidbit about Duchy, though I haven't sampled any of their foods yet. :D
Happy weekend!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Hi Hilary
Interesting article. I didn't know about all that charity work. Good for Charles.
When I was researching crops during Roman times in Britain, I learned that many where brought there by the Romans including celery. Interesting. I scrolled down and took a look at the pictures you posted of the three kings and current queen. I had no idea that William was so tall.
Nancy
Duchy Original cookies are gorgeous!
Hi Hilary,
Indeed, when you think about, a rather bizarre situation to still be waiting for your job on one's 65th birthday.
I'm going to contact him about some of his philanthropy ideals.
Nothing like a bit of Cornish cream.
A good weekend to you, Hilary.
Penny the Jack Russell dog on behalf of her human, Gary.
I may just go and visit the corgis....
Lots of interesting stuff here. Thanks! As per the Vidalia onions, our Georgia state legislators passed a new law requiring our farmers in Vidalia to let their onions grow until at least March 15. (Or some specific date or another.) Some of the Vidalia onions haven't been as sweet as they're supposed to be, and haven't been lasting as long, and the legislators say it's because farmers have been pulling them up too soon. The farmers aren't happy, to say the least. They want the latitude to pick their onions when they jolly well see fit. Me? I don't care. I don't like Vidalia onions. I like onions to taste like... onions. (What a concept!)
I've got to ask. What in the world is that Isle of Man "Queenie"? It looks kinda slimy.
Cheers!
I have always admired Prince Charles's dedication to organic foods, sustainability, good architecture and his love of the countryside.
In these days of massed produced foods, Duchy Originals products can always be relied on for quality - and a portion of the profits goes to charity.
But Cornwall has many fabulous foods.Three of my favourites, that are not a part of Duchy Originals, are - Davidstow mature cheddar, the yummy Rodda's Cornish Clotted Cream, that you already mentioned, Hilary, and Ann's Pasties, from down on the Lizard. What a treat! Rx
I have always admired Prince Charles's dedication to organic foods, sustainability, good architecture and his love of the countryside.
In these days of massed produced foods, Duchy Originals products can always be relied on for quality - and a portion of the profits goes to charity.
But Cornwall has many fabulous foods.Three of my favourites, that are not a part of Duchy Originals, are - Davidstow mature cheddar, the yummy Rodda's Cornish Clotted Cream, that you already mentioned, Hilary, and Ann's Pasties, from down on the Lizard. What a treat! Rx
Hilary: Those words, "... what effect will something we do today, both individually or as a community, or as a peoples of this world, have on our future generations ... in every deliberation, we must consider the impact on the seventh generation ..." explain my biggest frustration with American politics. Of course, you are correct. We MUST "... be forward thinking for our children’s children ..."
Happy Birthday to Prince Charles! It'll be interesting to see if he ever becomes king.
@ Nutschell - next time you come to the UK .. you'll have to sample a Duchy Original and visit Cornwall perhaps.
@ Nancy - oh he does lots of charity work - raising awareness for and of many things.
Yes, the Romans brought in lots of different foods and that trade with other countries has continued on over the centuries ..
Yes too, Prince William is taller than Harry I think, but the Duke of Edinburgh is a tall man ... so the genes are there ..
@ Annalisa - I'll have some when I come down to Cornwall again!
@ Gary - it is isn't it - bizarre in the waiting. I'm sure he'll be pleased to hear from you about some philanthropic ideas?!
Penny - I bet you love a little Cornish cream with your food! The corgis make a noise .. according to William - I've gone off them .. but a day out at the Palace would be interesting!
@ Susan .. the rules and legislation we get bound up in .. appears to be ridiculous ... what happens if there's a late Spring and so the onions won't be ripe til April?! Exactly as you say - why on earth tell a farmer what to do - he knows his onions and land, the regulators only know about bits of paper!!
"Queenies" are scallops - delicious, delicious ... and as you suggest necessarily slimy! The PDO Isle of Man Queenies are found in the waters off Douglas, Isle of Man ... and can be designated and sold as "Manx Queenies" ...
@ Rena - Charles is an interesting combination isn't he ... with lots of ideas.
Cornwall is a gorgeous county and always pulls my heart strings .. lots of cheeses, but I do like the Davidstow cheddar .. as well as Yarg ... we've always had Rodda's clotted cream - there used to be a small production outlet near my grandmother's house outside St Ives ... but then we've always made pasties - so home-made pasties (and not shop bought) were the tasty delight for us ... but I know that Ann's Pasties from the Lizard are well known ..
@ JJ - glad you picked that aspect up - I've been meaning to bring it in to a post for ages ..
... we should all in the first world "consider the impact on the seventh generation ahead" .. that would make a big difference to this world .. and all who are born onto this planet in the years to come ...
@ Sherry - I expect he will become King as long as he stays in good health .. but it will be an interesting time for a few years - at the changing of the guard, as such.
Thanks to you all .. have good weekends .. Hilary
Organic line with profits donated to charity - nice!
Seems unfair Stilton can't produce it's own brand anymore.
Fascinating. I knew about some of those category distinctions, but mostly related to wine ;-) That Stilton can't make Stilton was surely some geographical/bureaucratic error that can be fixed? Seems so ridiculous. Oh, and how I love Stilton.
Tina @ Life is Good
Happy Birthday to the future king, if he ever gets around to it.
I am all in favour of keeping food genuine and traditional. after all, it means something to have the real thing rather than a poor copy.
Pity the Duchy Originals are so very expensive for what they are.
This was fun, Hilary! As I've said before, whenever I come to your blog, I always learn something new!!! Love it.
@ Alex - it's good quality produce and they try out new recipes based on old favourites from times gone by ... I was surprised about Stilton village and the cheese - it does seem unfair ...
@ Tina - yes wine falls into similar categories ... the Stilton story can be got round - but it sounds rather convoluting! Regulations!!
I look forward to Christmas as I don't often have Stilton at other times ...
@ Friko - I don't think he had such a happy time in Sri Lanka - but sometimes we can't chose what we do on our birthdays.
Yes I love good quality food based on traditional methods - knowing it's safe too ... yes the Duchy Originals are expensive - but for a treat or a present always a good buy ...
@ Morgan - so lovely to see you and so pleased you enjoyed this rather 'grey' post full of definitions etc ...
Thanks to you all .. cheers Hilary
He's looking a bit old these days. I have a feeling he'll never be king.
All fascinating stuff about the foods there. I'm afraid I can't agree with you about Prince Charles. I have a problem with the royal family in general and him in particular. It's a long story why, but I really don't like him.
Hil, I always learn stuff from you. Then I pass it along in homeschool. This was so interesting. (I love Vidalia onions!) That's no fair about the Stilton cheese. Not fair at all. And I agree with you about Charles. He deserves happiness. I'm glad he finally found it.
XOXOXOXOXO
Happy birthday to Charles. I have to say he is not my favorite royal as I am still loyal to Diane. Do you think he will ever be King? Or will it go straight to his son? sandie
While I don't get the "royals", knowing they put their pants on the same way I do, I've never thought anyone had confidence in Charles, or liked him much at all.
He's always seem very irresponsible to me, and I never got the idea his Mother thought him very capable. It was years ago when reports indicated she would pass him over due to the public's lack of respect for him and his playboy ways. I would hope she holds on long enough to select one of Diane's son's. She has class and I've never thought Charles did.
Sandy
@ Milo - aren't we all and we'll see if he becomes King.
@ Morning AJ - glad you found the food aspects interesting. I definitely am a royalist and they're all human .. though I know many are on the opposite side of the fence ... and appreciate you have your reasons.
@ Robyn - thanks for utilising some of my postings for home school - that's a surprise! I'll have to try Vidalia onions at some stage, when I'm in the States .. and the Stilton cheese regulations are strange - but sadly true ...
Glad you agree with me re Charles and he does seem to be happy thankfully.
@ Sandie - It was sad about Diana - but the Queen will never abdicate, so Charles should become King.
@ Sandy - we all change don't we .. so do the Royals ... then of course we don't know them at all - he has a lot of support for his ideas and way of life from those who know him or work with him in various projects.
I just hope all of you in the States are safe from the tornados .. with thoughts - Hilary
I also never heard about Duchy Originals before. It's wonderful that Prince Charles is involved in such a worthwhile charity. It's hard to believe that the Queen has finally asked him to represent her at the Conference in Sri Lanka.
Julie
Hi Julie .. if you'd spent time in the UK visiting places - the Duchy range is on sale in the various museum, National Trust shops and I'm sure the airports.
The Queen is head of the Commonwealth .. so as head it is her duty to attend and the last time was during the run up to her sixtieth year on the throne ... now she can relinquish some of her duties, as protocol and health allows.
Cheers - lovely to see you here - Hilary
Hilary,
My daughter is in town from London and I can't wait to show this post. I know she'll enjoy it.
BTW that's one big pig:~)
Hi Sara - enjoy the visit with your daughter and I do hope she approves of the post!
That pig is just wonderful isn't it .. I had to put John Myles' painting in ..
Cheers Hilary
Another post full of fascinating information Hilary. I've always admired Charles's support of organics, ecology and the like, but didn't know about the Duchy organics brand. Good for him, but fancy having to wait till you are 65 to do the work you've been trained for.
Hi Juliet - yes I agree Charles has always done lots to help the world we live in .. as everything is so inter-dependent ..
He isn't even deputising yet .. but he is doing some of it ... and that must relieve the Queen somewhat .. but I agree the thought of going into a full time job in a few years - when I'm really grey would horrify me .. so he has a hard task ahead.
Thanks - good to see you here .. cheers Hilary
Hi, Hilary,
I really enjoy the diversity of your posts…
I particularly enjoy your insights on Britain and what is currently happening in your country.
The pic of rural England is heart stopping. SO beautiful!
Organic foods are very important to retain good health these days. And yes, they are much more expensive, but to remain in good health and benefit from natural food is certainly worth the extra pounds/dollars….
Hi Michael .. I do hate doing the same thing - so I guess my posts reflect this and its what I set out to do: thankfully it works.
Britain is a great subject to write about .. as we're all connected somehow - stemming out of the Roman invasion way back when!
Rural England was like that this summer - absolutely glorious ...
We have a very good organic farm on the outskirts of Eastbourne that I get out to - and hope to do more of once it re-opens in the Spring - it shuts just after Christmas .. understandably - a 7 day a week opening is very hard work - the owners need time to recover, while work continues on the land.
Cheers to you - I know organic food is close to your heart .. Hilary
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