Grand Commander, Excellency

It was with deep sorrow that I learnt of the passing away of His Eminent Highness the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Frà Andrew Bertie.

Frà Andrew Bertie will be remembered by all as a man of great vision and very deep values, a code of rules he kept throughout the many years he presided over the Order of Malta.

I equally wish to highlight the great regard and friendship with which Frà Andrew Bertie always conducted the very special relations maintained between Portugal and the Order of Malta.

In this hour of grief, I offer Your Excellency and the members of the Sovereign Council, on behalf of the People of Portugal and in my own name, our most sincere condolences and our deepest regrets.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva

To His Excellency
The Grand Commander
Ven. Bailli Frà Giaccomo della Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto
Sovereign Military Order of Malta
Rome