It was Monday, May 10, 2004, when the luxury yacht of a known shipping family approached Mount Athos – the famous monastic complex in northern Greece – carrying an important guest.

On the jetty, the priests of Vatopedi Monastery stood waiting; they had been instructed not to reveal the identity of the visitor, and not to hold an official ceremony during the reception, as this was meant to be a highly private visit. It was the third time in a year that the heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, had arrived at the Garden of Virgin Mary.

In May 2004 – a fervent time for Greece, as it was few months before the Olympic Games were hosted in Athens – the eyes of the world were on the country, and a question loomed: would it be ready for this great moment in sporting history? But at Mount Athos, things were different. Tucked away from the world, with prayers, devotion, spiritual exaltation and serenity, time suspended itself. It is said that the history of the place and its natural, mountainous beauty were the elements kept drawing Prince Charles to it.

According to people close to Prince Charles, the Prince’s relation with Orthodoxy is deep and meaningful. It is no coincidence that a corner of his house at Highgrove Estate outside London is full of Byzantine icons – many of which were apparently given to Prince Charles as gifts from monks at Mount Athos. And monks who have met him emphasize that the prince is very close to the Orthodox faith and tradition – something which cannot perhaps be expressed publicly because of his position. As the successor to the British throne, he might soon also head the Anglican Church. But this in no way prevents him from remaining a staunch supporter of the religious freedoms of thousands of British citizens, supporting interfaith dialogue and harmony among people of different religions.