Prince charms OC business leaders

California on its own as an independent nation would have the seventh largest economy in the world.

All the reason, Prince Andrew, Duke of York says, to strengthen economic ties between the two markets, especially those between the U.K. and Orange County.

“The GDP of Orange County is greater than that of either Portugal or Finland,” he said. “[The U.K. and Orange County are] natural partners.”

Prince Andrew addressed a luncheon at the Orange County Hilton, hosted by the British American Business Council of Orange County, acting in his capacity as the U.K.’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. Attendees enjoyed a gourmet meal during the prince’s remarks.

The duke repeatedly stressed the mutual benefits he saw derived from a strong U.K./O.C. relationship, praising the “knowledge-driven, diverse, and open markets” of Orange County.

“Yes of course, there are some differences we can talk about,” the prince said, joking about American iced tea and football. “But, I’d suggest we have far more in common than otherwise.”

The prince also spent considerable attention applauding California’s efforts to curb climate change, a cause he said required international attention.

“[Climate Change] is a global problem that requires global solutions,” he said. “It’s a field where I also believe the U.K. and U.S. should bear our combined intellectual capacity in research and development, finance and other areas to reduce its effects Gov. Schwarzenegger’s work on this should be admired.”

Dickson and Lois Shafer of Corona Del Mar, who attended the event with the World Affairs Council of Orange County, said that they were impressed by the prince’s remarks.

“The prince was very eloquent and pleasant to hear,” Lois Shafer said. “We were honored [to hear him].”

CHRIS CAESAR may be reached at (714) 966-4626 or at [email protected].