Mexico mural wows Prince Charles

MEXICO CITY - Prince Charles and his wife Camilla met Mexico's president and viewed a majestic Diego Rivera mural in the National Palace on Monday as they announced the 2015 Britain-Mexico culture year.

The royal couple was greeted by President Enrique Pena Nieto and his wife, former soap opera star Angelica Rivera, in the historic 16th century palace in Mexico City on the second of a four-day trip.

The prince and the Duchess of Cornwall were shown Diego Rivera's staircase mural, which depicts Mexico's history from the Aztec days to the Mexican revolution in the early 20th century.

Charles and Pena Nieto officially announced the Year of the UK in Mexico and The Year of Mexico in the UK, which will promote culture, gastronomy, tourism and business in both nations next year.

The prince said British-Mexican ties are "stronger than ever," with cooperation ranging from the battle against international crime and cooperation in defending the environment.

The heir to the British throne began his visit Sunday, laying a wreath at an English cemetery in Real del Monte, a mountain town Cornish miners emigrated to in the 19th century.

The prince and Camilla will visit Mayan ruins and the industrial city of Monterrey in the final two days of their visit, which follows a five-day trip to Colombia.