In 2000 , Charles revived the tradition of the Prince of Wales having an official harpist , in order to foster Welsh talent at playing the harp , the national instrument of Wales . He and the Duchess of Cornwall also spend one week each year in Scotland , where he is patron of several Scottish organisations . His service to the Canadian Armed Forces permits him to be informed of troop activities , and allows him to visit these troops while in Canada or overseas , taking part in ceremonial occasions . For instance , in 2001 he placed a specially commissioned wreath , made from vegetation taken from French battlefields , at the Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , and in 1981 he became the patron of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum . At the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005 , Charles unintentionally caused controversy when he shook hands with Robert Mugabe , the President of Zimbabwe , who had been seated next to him . Charles 's office subsequently released a statement saying : " The Prince of Wales was caught by surprise and not in a position to avoid shaking Mr Mugabe 's hand . The Prince finds the current Zimbabwean regime abhorrent . He has supported the Zimbabwe Defence and Aid Fund , which works with those being oppressed by the regime . The Prince also recently met Pius Ncube , the Archbishop of Bulawayo , an outspoken critic of the government . " In 2010 , Charles represented the Queen at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi , India . He attends official events in the United Kingdom in support of Commonwealth countries , such as the Christchurch earthquake memorial service at Westminster Abbey in 2011 . From 15 to 17 November 2013 , he represented the Queen for the first time at a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting , in Colombo , Sri Lanka
opening ceremony
2010 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony
Charles, Prince of Wales