Charles and Camilla top off their whirlwind tour of Europe in style with an opulent state banquet at Vienna's Hofburg Palace

  • Couple met Sergio Mattarella at the presidential palace in Rome
  • Visit comes day after private tour of Vatican archives with Pope Francis
  • Camilla looked elegant in cream coat dress with matching accessories
  • Couple's visit seen as important part of strengthening relations pre-Brexit 

Charles and Camilla were welcomed as guests of honour at a state banquet staged at Vienna's Hofburg Palace tonight. 

They joined a range of well-heeled guests from the environmental activists and fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood to sustainability campaigners.

The Duchess of Cornwall, 69, wore a chic Anna Valentine cream and gold chiffon dress while the Prince, 68, wore a dinner jacket and black tie for the final evening of their nine-day tour of Europe.

Dame Vivienne, who attended the event with her partner Andreas Kronthaler, said: 'I've met Prince Charles several times because I'm an activist for the environment and he's a big worker for the good of the environment, and we've been trying to save the rainforest and we will do. 

Camilla and Charles join the Austrian president and his wife at the Hofburg Palace on Wednesday evening, topping off their nine-day Brexit charm offensive Europe tour

Camilla and Charles join the Austrian president and his wife at the Hofburg Palace on Wednesday evening, topping off their nine-day Brexit charm offensive Europe tour

The pair were welcomed by Federal President of the Republic of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen and First Lady Doris Schmidauer when they arrived at Hofburg Palace

The pair were welcomed by Federal President of the Republic of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen and First Lady Doris Schmidauer when they arrived at Hofburg Palace

Busy day: The couple bid 'arrivederci' to Rome this afternoon for the next leg of their European tour as they touched down in Vienna, looking somewhat windswept as they made their way from and RAF plane

Busy day: The couple bid 'arrivederci' to Rome this afternoon for the next leg of their European tour as they touched down in Vienna, looking somewhat windswept as they made their way from and RAF plane

'I've come especially because I'm a friend of Prince Charles and especially it's wonderful we've got this green (Austrian) president it will make a difference - it might save the world.' 

There were around 100 guests at the event hosted by Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen and diners enjoyed the boiled beef dish tafelspitz, a classic Austrian meal, a fish course and for dessert was apricot strudel.

The couple bid 'arrivederci' to Rome this afternoon for the next leg of their European tour as they touched down in Vienna, looking somewhat windswept as they made their way from and RAF plane.

Royal glamour: The Duchess of Cornwall, 69, wore a chic Anna Valentine cream and gold chiffon dress for the final evening of their nine-day tour of Europe

Royal glamour: The Duchess of Cornwall, 69, wore a chic Anna Valentine cream and gold chiffon dress for the final evening of their nine-day tour of Europe

Glittering event: There were around 100 guests at the event hosted by Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen and diners enjoyed the boiled beef dish tafelspitz

Glittering event: There were around 100 guests at the event hosted by Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen and diners enjoyed the boiled beef dish tafelspitz

Dame Vivienne, who attended the event with her partner Andreas Kronthaler (pictured), said: 'I've met Prince Charles several times because I'm an activist for the environment and he's a big worker for the good of the environment'

Dame Vivienne, who attended the event with her partner Andreas Kronthaler (pictured), said: 'I've met Prince Charles several times because I'm an activist for the environment and he's a big worker for the good of the environment'

Camilla, who had changed out of the cream ensemble she wore earlier in favour of a navy coat with white embroidery, looked as if she was battling the elements as her hair was blown about and she shielded herself with a bouquet of flowers she'd received.

Their first stop of the day was a rather delicious one, as they visited the famous pastry shop and chocolaterie Cafe Demel, where they were treated to a cake making display.

During their visit, they will take a tour of the iconic Wiener Musikverein, where they will sit in on a rehearsal by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and view original manuscripts by composers including Mozart and Brahms.

Cheers! Charles clinks his glass with First Lady Doris Schmidauer at the state banquet

Cheers! Charles clinks his glass with First Lady Doris Schmidauer at the state banquet

Austrian politician Dr. Alexander van der Bellen and the Duchess of Cornwall also raised a toast

Austrian politician Dr. Alexander van der Bellen and the Duchess of Cornwall also raised a toast

Charles raises a glass to his hosts at the Hofburg Palace reception on Wednesday evening

Charles raises a glass to his hosts at the Hofburg Palace reception on Wednesday evening

A windswept Charles and Camilla battle the elements at Vienna International Airport earlier this afternoon

A windswept Charles and Camilla battle the elements at Vienna International Airport earlier this afternoon

A cheerful Charles waves to the crowds in Rome this afternoon before flying to Austria

A cheerful Charles waves to the crowds in Rome this afternoon before flying to Austria

The royals watch chocolate cakes being made during a visit to Cafe Demel in Vienna

The royals watch chocolate cakes being made during a visit to Cafe Demel in Vienna

The Duchess of Cornwall watches a wedding cake being made during a visit to Cafe Demel in Vienna

The Duchess of Cornwall watches a wedding cake being made during a visit to Cafe Demel in Vienna

Earlier today the pair were welcomed by Italy's President Sergio Mattarella at the presidential palace in Rome on day eight of Charles' European tour, widely viewed as a pre-Brexit charm offensive. 

The Duchess, 69, was dressed in an elegant cream coat by her favourite designer, Anna Valentine, with fringing on the shoulders and cream shoes. 

The couple were driven in a convoy to the Quirinal Palace, the Official Residence of the President of the Republic of Italy, in a convoy and greeted by Dr. Igino Rugiero, Head of the Presidential Protocol Office.

Taking shelter! Camilla uses her colourful bouquet as a wind barrier at Vienna airport

Taking shelter! Camilla uses her colourful bouquet as a wind barrier at Vienna airport

Camilla had changed into a navy coat with white embroidery for her journey to Vienna

Camilla had changed into a navy coat with white embroidery for her journey to Vienna

Charles and Camilla greet dignitaries who had rolled out the red carpet to welcome them to the Austrian capital, Vienna

Charles and Camilla greet dignitaries who had rolled out the red carpet to welcome them to the Austrian capital, Vienna

Camilla struggled with her coat as it was blown about in the wind on a blustery afternoon at Vienna International Airport 

Camilla struggled with her coat as it was blown about in the wind on a blustery afternoon at Vienna International Airport 

Charles is greeted by Muna Duzdar, the state secretary in Austria's Federal Chancellery

Charles is greeted by Muna Duzdar, the state secretary in Austria's Federal Chancellery

A Guard of Honour, made up of soldiers from the Primo Rataglione Granatieri di Sardegna, played a fanfare as they stepped out of their car. 

They entered the palace where His Excellency President Sergio Mattarella was waiting to greet the couple and their entourage.

Charles and Camilla were invited to sit down on an elegant sofa for an official photograph before they embarked on what was described as a tête-a-tête meeting lasting around half an hour.

On his next stop of the day, the royal praised British aid workers for their famine relief work in Somalia today during a video link up as he visited the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation in Rome.

Charles and Camilla have landed in Vienna for the next stag of their European tour, aimed at strengthening bonds ahead of Brexit 

Charles and Camilla have landed in Vienna for the next stag of their European tour, aimed at strengthening bonds ahead of Brexit 

The royal couple have landed in Vienna after spending the best part of a week in Rome 

The royal couple have landed in Vienna after spending the best part of a week in Rome 

During their stay in the Austrian capital, the couple will sit in on a rehearsal by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

During their stay in the Austrian capital, the couple will sit in on a rehearsal by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

The heir to the throne, who was briefed on the crisis in the Horn of Africa by the UNFAO's representative in Somalia, Richard Trenchard, said: 'I am immensely proud of Britain's response and its contribution.'

He asked Mr Trenchard, a Briton, to pass on his thanks and best wishes to his colleagues working in the field to help 6.2 million people in need of assistance and 500,000 people at dire risk of famine in the region.

'Thank God for people like you,' the Prince said.

Britain's Prince Charles and the British Ambassador Leigh Turner, right, smile as they watch the production of chocolate cake during a visit to the Cafe Deimel coffeehouse in Vienna

Britain's Prince Charles and the British Ambassador Leigh Turner, right, smile as they watch the production of chocolate cake during a visit to the Cafe Deimel coffeehouse in Vienna

Sweet tooth: Charles and Camilla watched traditional treats being made at a coffee house in Vienna

Sweet tooth: Charles and Camilla watched traditional treats being made at a coffee house in Vienna

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were greeted by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and First Lady Doris Schmidauer, left, at Hofburg Palace in Vienna 

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were greeted by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and First Lady Doris Schmidauer, left, at Hofburg Palace in Vienna 

The royal couple were greeted by the president and first lady in Vienna this afternoon 

The royal couple were greeted by the president and first lady in Vienna this afternoon 

Camilla looked elegant in a navy coat with floral white detailing on her arrival at the palace

Camilla looked elegant in a navy coat with floral white detailing on her arrival at the palace

Charles, who was welcomed to the UNFAO offices in Rome by José Graziano da Siolva, the Director General, was briefed on the crisis during a tour of the building. He met 50 FAO staff based in Rome and thanked them for their efforts.

Somalia is currently in a protracted crisis and is experiencing a major drought. The UN estimates that 6.2 million people are in need of assistance.

Almost 1 million children will be acutely malnourished this year -including 200,000 who could die soon - if they do not receive urgent medical treatment.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall meet the President of Italy Sergio Mattarella in Rome, Italy

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall meet the President of Italy Sergio Mattarella in Rome, Italy

The Prince of Wales arrives at the Headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation

The Prince of Wales arrives at the Headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation

The prince looked enthusiastic to greet the waiting crowds at the Headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation

The prince looked enthusiastic to greet the waiting crowds at the Headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation

The prince looked in cheerful spirits as he greeted wellwishers in Rome during his ongoing tour of Italy 

The prince looked in cheerful spirits as he greeted wellwishers in Rome during his ongoing tour of Italy 

Prince Charles is flanked by United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General Jose Graziano da Silva, as he gives a speech praising the efforts of British aid workers in helping famine-stricken communities in the Horn of Africa

Prince Charles is flanked by United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General Jose Graziano da Silva, as he gives a speech praising the efforts of British aid workers in helping famine-stricken communities in the Horn of Africa

Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni welcoming Prince Charles in the courtyard of Chigi Palace in Rome

Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni welcoming Prince Charles in the courtyard of Chigi Palace in

The prince examines an infographic at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome

The prince examines an infographic at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome

The prince was briefed about the ongoing crisis in the Horn of Africa during a tour of the building

The prince was briefed about the ongoing crisis in the Horn of Africa during a tour of the building

But aid workers say famine is still preventable in Somalia with the right aid.

The UK is the biggest individual donor nation to the famine relief effort and has allocated £110 million to the drought response

Later Charles will meet with Italy's Prime Minister as part of what is being viewed as a post-Brexit charm offensive.

Pleased to meet you! The prince has received a very warm welcome throughout his tour of Italy 

Pleased to meet you! The prince has received a very warm welcome throughout his tour of Italy 

The royal tour of Italy is seen as an opportunity to forge bonds with European neighbours ahead of Britain quitting the EU

The royal tour of Italy is seen as an opportunity to forge bonds with European neighbours ahead of Britain quitting the EU

Europe Minister Sir Alan Duncan has joined the prince to take part in both the meetings. 

His presence is being viewed as a sign of how important so-called royal 'soft power' is being viewed by the British Government as it embarks on its Brexit negotiations.

The couple touched down in the Italian capital yesterday after spending the last five days in Florence, where they were based while they carried out engagements around Italy.

Their European tour - which has also taken in Romania and will end in Vienna later this week.

The Prince of Wales inspects a Guard of Honour at the presidential palace in Rome

The Prince of Wales inspects a Guard of Honour at the presidential palace in Rome

The pair received a warm welcome from the Prime Minister, with Camilla looking elegant in a cream coat dress

The pair received a warm welcome from the Prime Minister, with Camilla looking elegant in a cream coat dress

It's day eight of Charles' European tour, seen as an opportunity to strengthen ties with other European countries ahead of Brexit  

It's day eight of Charles' European tour, seen as an opportunity to strengthen ties with other European countries ahead of Brexit  

Several further royal trips to the continent are being lined up to utilise the 'soft power' potential of the royals.  

William and Kate have already visited Paris and will travel to Germany in July, with the Duchess also set to make a solo trip to Luxembourg in May. 

In a speech in Florence last night Charles urged EU countries not too turn their backs on Britain.

Although the heir to the throne deliberately chose not to use the word Brexit, his appeal to countries such as Italy was clear.

The royals received a warm welcome from Pope Francis at the Vatican yesterday 

The royals received a warm welcome from Pope Francis at the Vatican yesterday 

Addressing diners at the black-tie event staged at Florence's famous Palazzo Vecchio Charles said: 'Although our relationship is deeply rooted in our shared history, today, I am delighted to say, it is more firmly embedded than ever before.

'In almost any field that one can think of, in culture, business, education, defence and security co-operation, innovation and research, even sport, the partnership between the United Kingdom and Italy brings tremendous benefits to our economies and to our societies.'

Charles was joined by the Europe Minister at an event where he unveiled a Henry Moore sculpture to mark the centenary of the British Institute in Florence, met the organisation's staff and interacted with local children. 

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