Prince Charles has been formally invited to receive the honorific title of Prince of Transylvania. The British royal recently received a letter by the Mayor of Alba Iulia offering him the appellation, in recognition of his work and love for the region. The title also acknowledges Charles' link to Vlad 'the Impaler' Tepes – the 15th century ruler who inspired the legend of Bram Stoker's Dracula. The 68-year-old Prince has spoken on a number of occasion about his Eastern European lineage, and is thought to be the great grandson 16 times removed to Vlad III through his great grandmother, Queen Mary.
Prince Charles has been offered the honorary title Prince of Transylvania
In a letter addressed to Charles, Mayor Mircea Hava said: "We know how much you love Transylvania. It has become your second home and you have been the region's most valuable ambassador. Moreover, you claim your roots from our legendary Prince Vlad. As you love Transylvania so much, we thought, what if instead of only being 'The Prince of Wales', you would be known from now on as 'The Prince of Wales AND Transylvania'? You have to admit that 'Prince of Wales AND Transylvania' sounds like a fantastic way to introduce yourself, in addition to being a great conversation starter."
The British royal pictured on his recent visit to Romania
Prince Charles first visited Transylvania in 1998 and has spoken on a number of occasions about his love of the culture, countryside and relaxed way of life. He has also done extensive charitable work in the region to help encourage conservation, traditional farming and sustaining development through the Prince of Wales Foundation. Just recently, he paid a visit to Romania, where he enjoyed a touching reunion with the 11-year-old son of an old friend.