Royal Visitors in Northern Ireland
Following a very successful visit to Co Galway and Co Sligo, TRH The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Northern Ireland this morning
The Royal couple will carry out a number of engagements over the next 2 days. The theme of the visit is to recognise peace and reconciliation, as well as heritage, community, conservation and innovation.
On arrival in Belfast, the first visit by TRH will be to St Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street. The Parish Church of St Patrick in Donegall Street is situated in one of the most historic, yet economically deprived areas of Belfast, and has often witnessed the sectarian unrest. The Royal couple will meet a cross section of parishioners and organisations involved in the wide range of church activities.
Later HRH The Prince of Wales will visit East Belfast Network on Templemore Avenue and will hear how this organisation provides a vital service to the local East Belfast community by pulling together a number of organisations which helps develop closer working links with various sections of the community. On returning to Hillsborough Castle, he will have private audiences with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland as well as the First and Deputy First Ministers.
Separately HRH The Duchess of Cornwall will undertake visits to the Big Lunch Project at the Skainos Centre, as well as Ballyhackamore Credit Union.
This evening, the Royal Couple will attend a reception and evening of music, song and word at Hillsborough Castle, which will showcase the best of local musical talent and artists.
Tomorrow (Friday) will see TRH visit Mount Stewart to see at first hand the £8 million restoration project by the National Trust. The restoration will show the house completely transformed, refurbished and re-presented to visitors. This is the largest and most significant restoration programme the National Trust has undertaken in Northern Ireland for some decades.
The final engagement of the day will be to Corrymeela Community situated on the beautiful North Antrim Coast. This community is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and has been a place of gathering, work, faith and discussion; bringing people of different backgrounds, different political and religious beliefs and different identities together.
Follow us on @niopressoffice and @ClarenceHouse for updates across the 2 days.