Luxury Indian Ocean LUXURY MAURITIUS No 5 EDITION 2018 | Page 63

GRAND ANGLE
« MA FONDATION SERA DÉDIÉE À LA PROTECTION DE L’ENVIRONNEMENT»
"MY FOUNDATION WILL BE MAINLY DEDICATED TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION"
PRINCESSE CAMILLA DE BOURBON DES DEUX SICILES
a matter of urgency. I would like to facilitate scientific research and to
set up projects to improve the environmental protection on the island,
but on a greater scope: the Indian Ocean. It is a paradise which must
be preserved, and the best place to carry out experiments. The corals, the
algae, the seashells still exist on your island while they are long gone in
the Mediterranean. I do not want to engage in too many projects, too
quickly. I will choose specific measures in order to be able to carry them
out successfully. How can we encourage others, and make them believe in
what we are doing if we do not complete projects?
Who will finance these projects?
I will finance the foundation myself, but I would also like to encourage
people to join me in this ambitious endeavour. For example, I would like to
collaborate with the Scientific Centre of Monaco. This centre was created
in 1960 by SAS the Prince Rainier III of Monaco, father of the Sovereign
Prince: Albert II. We could get access to their research and implement
them throughout the area. I would also like to count on Prince Albert’s
support, as he would like to develop a large scale project in Mauritius.
The ’Monaco explorations’ are spread over three years. Obviously, the
support of the Mauritian government is also very important, in particular
to be able to understand and to analyse what Mauritius truly needs. The
president Ameenah Gurib Fakim and the Prime Minister have pledged
their support.
Can you tell us a bit more about your life as a princess? Is it challenging?
How do you feel about it?
I am aware of the privileges that come along with my status. We are
exposed to beautiful things; however, there is a lot of pressure. You agree
to always be happy and smiling, to put on your game face, because it is
what is expected from you. I lived and studied fifteen years in New York.
The history of Europe or of the monarchy was never taught during my
academic years. Therefore I did not know very much about all this before
I met my husband. I was then welcomed by this family who have many
traditions, and I learned from them. It is a very formal life. There are labels,
a certain type of protocol which should be learned. One could write a
book about it.
The Bourbon of Two Sicilies have greatly contributed to the south of
Italy. They were pioneers in many fields: the first railway line, the first
shelters for the needy which could accommodate up to 4,000 people.
Just picture this, back in 1834, it was something incredible! Our mission
is to respect history and tradition, while projecting ourselves in the
future. We live in a world of telecommunications, a world controlled
by: Internet.
What is most important to you today?
To be close to people, to listen to them, to hear their needs … and to give,
’meaning’ to that: engage in humanitarian projects.
LL.AA.RR. le Prince et la Princesse de Bourbon des Deux Siciles et leurs filles
Maria-Carolina, Duchesse de Calabre et Maria-Chiara, Duchesse de Noto., ici à Maurice.
TRH the Prince and Princess of Bourbon Two Sicilies with their two daughters
Maria-Carolina, Duchess of Calabria and Maria-Chiara, Duchess of Noto.
EDITION 2018 - N O 5 61