The editors of Gault&Millau Austria, Martina and Karl Hohenlohe, visited Prince Charles’ country estate in Highgrove in April and homoured him with the award in person.
“At first, everyone thought I was crazy and I was criticised by various factions,” explains HRH in a personal conversation with Gault & Millau editors Karl and Martina Hohenlohe. Despite the headwinds, Prince Charles continued on his path and thus significantly influenced the development of organic agriculture.
The Duchy Home Farm
At first, the heir to the throne only planted his first trees at official events. Without any practical experience, he recognised the importance of sustainable agriculture and eventually acquired the Highgrove estate in 1981. He was driven by his passion for nature and its preservation. The once conventionally farmed estate became one of the first ecologically managed farms in England in just four years.
“We have to realise that we ourselves are also part of nature and that we do not exist separately from it. I just had the worrying feeling that we risk jeopardising the future productivity of the land if we don’t make an effort to keep it healthy.” – HRH The Prince of Wales
Green spaces, spelt fields and apple trees as far as the eye can see for Highrove. In addition to arable farming, species-appropriate breeding is also a top priority. The products are produced according to ecological principles and distributed in cooperation with Waitrose, a well-stocked supermarket focusing on regional products.
“The way we produce food has a direct impact on the Earth’s ability to feed us, which directly affects human health and economic prosperity,” saidPrince Charles.
No chef can succeed without excellent commodities. The sustainable use of resources and his commitment and dedication to the environment ultimately led to the decision to award His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales the title of ‘Gourmet of the Year 2023’.
Personal meeting
Unlike usual, the award ceremony did not take place on a large scale. Martina and Karl Hohenlohe visited the heir to the throne at his family home in Highgrove. After a guided tour of the gardens, the certificate was presented to the future monarch. With a cup of tea and organic biscuits from their own production, the Gault & Millau editors’ visit to Highgrove finally came to an end.
“The news from Prince Charles that he was accepting the award was a great pleasure for us. It is wonderful that we were then invited to Highgrove and that we were able to present the award to him personally is a great honour for us.” – Martina Hohenlohe, editor-in-chief of Gault&Millau Austria.
“I was particularly impressed by the seriousness and euphoria with which he promoted organic farming. He is a true pioneer in this field and has had a lasting impact on farmers, restaurateurs and consumers.” – Karl Hohenlohe, editor of Gault&Millau Austria.
A brief overview of the “Gourmet of the Year” of previous years:
- 2021 Tobias et Julia Moretti, actor and musician
- 2020 Michael Schade, opera singer
- 2019 Andreas Vitásek, cabaret artist and actor
- 2018 Wilhelm Klinger, Managing Director Austria Wine Marketing
- 2017 Florian Scheuba, cabaret artist
- 2015 Bernhard Paul, circus director
- 2014 Heinz Marecek, actor
- 2012 Erwin Steinhauer, actor
- 2011 Sarah Wiener, restorer and presenter
- 2010 Dominique Meyer, director of the State Opera
- 2009 Dr. Michael Häupl, Mayor of Vienna
- 2008 Hanno et Irmi Soravia, entrepreneurs
- 2007 Hans-Peter Haselsteiner, entrepreneur
- 2006 Peter Simonischek, actor
