Prince Michael of Kent to Lead Rarity Car Rally in Russia

Prince Michael of Kent will lead a rally of rarity cars that will take place in Russia and mark St Petersburg's 300th establishment anniversary.

The rally will start out in Yekaterinburg, Urals, on May 19th to finish in St Petersburg on June 2, Prince Michael's press service said Thursday. The other cities on the route are Perm, Izhevsk, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Vladimir, Moscow, Tver and Novgorod.

The motor rally will involve 1920-1930 Bentley models, 1926 Vauxhalls and 1936 Cadillacs. A heavy cargo aeroplane will bring the cars to Yekaternburg on May 17th.

It was not by mere chance that Yekaterinburg has been chosen the rally's starting point. It was where the last Russian emperor and his family were executed in 1918.

The event aims to boost image of Russian cities, which are little known abroad as tourist sites. Prince Michael is hopeful the rally will foster the development of tourism and investment contacts between the Russian regions and Great Britain.

The rally participants plan to raise money during the event for Russian charities patronised by the prince.