How did the idea for your association come about and what is its objective?
This idea arose a few years ago, when the Infanta Maria Francisca Prize was created, in the North, with Dr. Jorge Leão, who also made the awards for Afonso and Dinis. Dinis's is golf and Afonso's is science, research. Mine is related to the arts. Therefore, I thought it would be a good idea to create, separate from the prize, an association of mine linked to culture, with the aim of promoting Portuguese artists, of bridging the gap between institutions, universities, art schools and students, with museums and galleries. . The association is still very green, it is just starting out. We are calling on people to help structure the association, but I am very excited.
Especially because it starts with a big event: the Conjured Dinner. It is your association that is responsible for organizing this year's dinner.
I have always attended this dinner, since I was little. For me, it is a familiar and safe environment, where I can start calmly.
And how is the organization going? This is a large event, which can have up to 600 participants.
The more people come, the better. Only on the day will we know the exact number. If there were 600 it would be spectacular. It is an event open to everyone. It is an event for the Portuguese, it is not an event for a restricted group of people, and it never has been. And this was never communicated in the right way. At this moment, when I'm here and haven't yet been to London, I have time to dedicate myself to this organization.
Do you feel that your marriage brought this closeness to the Portuguese in general and not just the monarchists?
With marriage, I realized that people wanted to be closer to us. And we have always been a discreet family. We don't show up a lot, we don't go to a lot of things. At this dinner, we will give you the opportunity to be with us, and we will also have the opportunity to get to know these people better.
Suddenly, D. Maria Francisca became a figure that many people talk about. Does this reaction make sense to anyone you encounter?
I feel like I am recognized more, but always with a word of “congratulations” or “best wishes”. I notice that people do it because they are happy, but I still have my life and I don't feel like there has been a big change. And that's good, because I like to be discreet.
