In April 2025, a distinguished delegation of the Order of St George undertook a ceremonial and diplomatic journey to southern Italy, reaffirming the Order’s longstanding mission to honour sacrifice, preserve cultural legacy, and build enduring bonds of friendship across borders.
Led by Grand Master Robert Dryden, the delegation included Knight Pietro D’Angelico Falco, native of Castelluccio Valmaggiore in the province of Foggia; Knight Mihail Stoyanov, Chair of the Little Bulgaria Charity; Baiju Thitalla, Mayor of Cambridge; and Abdul-Kayum Arain, Chair of the Cambridge Muslim Trust and friend of the Order. Their visit marked a continuation of the Order’s centuries-old tradition of diplomacy through honour, remembrance, and service.
The visit began with a formal ceremony in Castelluccio Valmaggiore, where the delegation was welcomed by Sir Pasquale Marchese, Mayor of the city and esteemed friend of the Order. In a memorable event attended by 29 Italian mayors, senior military leaders, and over 200 guests, Grand Master Dryden, Mayor Thitalla, and Chaplain Arain were each awarded honorary Italian citizenship. The honour recognised their leadership in charitable and cultural initiatives, including their role in the Cambridge Gateway from India, a landmark that symbolises Cambridge’s commitment to diversity and historical dialogue.
In his address, Grand Master Dryden reminded the audience that remembrance is not only about preserving history, but about recognising shared human values. He paid special tribute to the soldiers of the United Indian Army, whose bravery and sacrifice during World War II contributed to the liberation of Italy and the defence of democratic ideals. The Order also took the opportunity to share further insights about the Freedom Fountain Initiative: the concept proposes an eco‑friendly memorial water feature at in Cambridge that would honour the 4 million soldiers who served inboth World Wars under the United Indian Army — the largest all‑volunteer force in history — to ensure the legacy of these soldiers is remembered and learned from for generations to come.
The ceremony also welcomed the mayors of Celle San Vito and Faeto, two towns known for preserving Franco-Provençal, the ancestral language of King Charles II of Anjou, founder of the Order in 1308. Their presence symbolised a profound historical connection. In recognition of this cultural and linguistic heritage, Grand Master Dryden and The Right Reverend Monsignor Eugene Harkness, Grand Chaplain of the Order and 17th-generation descendant of King Charles II, were formally invited to return to Italy on 10 August 2025 to participate in the anniversary celebrations of King Charles II’s arrival in Italy.
The ceremony concluded with a solemn act of unity, as members of the Italian Army laid flowers at Italy’s war memorials in tribute to the soldiers of the United Indian Army, acknowledging their sacrifices alongside those of Italian fallen heroes. It was a moment that transcended national memory, reinforcing the values the Order has upheld for centuries.
Following the ceremony, the delegation was warmly welcomed by the local people of Castelluccio Valmaggiore, who hosted them with heartfelt hospitality and great pride. The Order was given a tour of the town’s historical and cultural sites, offering a moment of reflection and local connection before the next phase of their journey.
The delegation then travelled across the Puglia region, engaging in formal meetings with the mayors of Andria, Barletta, Trani, Margherita di Savoia, and concluding in Bari.
In Bari, Grand Master Dryden and the Knights were honoured with a private meeting with General Gianluigi Petito, a senior officer of the Italian military. The conversation focused on the role of the United Indian Army during the liberation of Italy and the continued importance of international military remembrance and cooperation.
As the Order of St George prepares to commemorate its 700th anniversary in 2026, this journey to Italy stands as a powerful expression of its enduring mission. Through meaningful ceremony, cultural diplomacy, and ancestral reconnection, the Order continues to unite past and present in the service of honour, remembrance, and international brotherhood.