On 11 and 12 July 2026, His Royal Highness the Prince Grand Master paid an important official visit to the Abruzzo and Molise Delegation. The programme combined social commitment, meetings with local institutions and communities, the promotion of the region’s cultural heritage, and charitable initiatives.
The first visit was to Casa Madre Ester – Fondazione Maria Regina, where His Royal Highness was warmly welcomed by Sister Pina and the Foundation’s staff. This meeting represented one of the most meaningful moments of the visit, reaffirming the Royal House’s close support for organizations devoted to assistance, compassion, and social solidarity.
Following the visit, His Royal Highness gave a brief interview to journalist Marina Moretti of the regional television broadcaster Rete8, before proceeding to the network’s studios, where he appeared on the current affairs programme Il Fatto. The day continued with a further interview conducted by journalist Daniele Astolfi of the newspaper Il Centro, which resulted in an extensive feature published the following day.
The highlight of the first day was the Charity Gala held at Borgo Fonte Scura, attended by approximately 160 guests. The event raised €8,000 in support of Casa Madre Ester – Fondazione Maria Regina, reflecting the strong spirit of generosity and solidarity that characterized the entire visit.
On the morning of 12 July, the programme continued in Sulmona with a private visit to the Mayor of the city, followed by a stop in Piazza Ovidio to pay tribute to the renowned Roman poet Ovid, whose statue was inaugurated in the presence of King Victor Emmanuel III.
A particularly moving moment was the visit to the Teatro Maria Caniglia, where Maestro Francesco Mammola, internationally acclaimed as one of the world’s finest mandolin virtuosos, performed the celebrated aria Nessun dorma from Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot using the historic mandolin once owned by Queen Margherita, which he personally restored to its original splendour.
His Royal Highness was then granted the privilege of a private preview of the new Ovid Multimedia Museum, exceptionally opened before its official inauguration, followed by a visit to the magnificent Badia Morronese, the historic Celestinian abbey of remarkable historical, artistic, and spiritual significance.
Overall, the visit was an outstanding success.
These two eventful days provided an important opportunity to strengthen the ties between the Royal House and the Abruzzo region, promoting its rich historical, artistic, and cultural heritage while offering tangible support to a worthy charitable institution, leaving a lasting and positive impression on all those who had the honour of taking part.
