Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall tour province on last day of NI visit

By PA

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall toured a historic open-air market in Co Down on the second day of their visit to Northern Ireland.

Charles and Camilla were greeted by local schoolchildren from Bangor Central Integrated Primary School and Bangor Central Nursery School as they arrived in the seaside town on Wednesday.

They were welcomed by the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Trevor Cummings, before taking time to talk to the children and a large number of well-wishers who had gathered.

They then toured the town’s market, which is in its 97th year, and met with various stallholders while inspecting the range of locally sourced produce on sale.

Charles heard about how the local council has restored the site and spoke to several stall holders about their products.

Next on the tour is a trip to Donaghadee Harbour where large crowds have gathered for the occasion.

Large crowds gather in Donaghadee to catch a glimpse of Prince Charles who is visiting the seaside town. It’s part of a two day visit to Northern Ireland with his wife Camilla. pic.twitter.com/gFYOPoeR28

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) May 19, 2021

His Royal Highness viewed stones lining the harbour walls, decorated with messages of hope that were laid by members of the public during the pandemic and became a local attraction.

The Prince has also unveiled a plaque on the harbour front by the town’s landmark Lighthouse to commemorate the Bicentenary of the Royal Charter of Donaghadee Harbour and the laying of the harbour’s foundation stone.

A round of applause rings loud as Prince Charles unveils a plaque on the harbour front while on a visit to Donaghadee. pic.twitter.com/5UTE5vF2py

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) May 19, 2021

Charles is also meeting with Historians to hear of the work they are carrying out relating to the Bicentenary, as well as the Bicentenary Festival Team.

Earlier in the day Charles and Camilla met with staff at Hillsborough Castle and signed the visitors’ book before leaving.

The royal couple are on the final day of their Northern Ireland visit.

On Tuesday they undertook a series of engagements and Charles hailed “tireless work” for reconciliation in Belfast.

In her final engagement, the duchess visited the Horses for People centre in Co Down.

Camilla met with the founder of the centre, June Burgess, and heard about equine-assisted therapy.

She then met with staff members, as well as people undertaking the courses, and viewed the horses on the site.

The duchess also watched a demonstration in the lunging pen and saw a horse being shod before she left the centre.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Prince of Wales visited the Co Tyrone village of Caledon.

On arrival, Charles waved to construction workers watching down from scaffolding on Mill Street as he toured the village.

He viewed the sites of development projects and also met with local community groups, including coaches and members of Caledon Rovers football club.

As he left the football club, local schoolgirl Daisy McCoy presented his Royal Highness with a bunch of flowers.

He then travelled to view the refurbished church hall at St John’s church.

On arrival, he chatted with two young mothers who brought their babies down to see the royal visitor.

Prior to departure, he unveiled a plaque in the church hall to commemorate his visit.

Yesterday, the Prince visited Slieve Gullion Forest Park in Meigh, Newry, and was shown some of the highlights of the landscape around the Ring of Gullion.  

The @Ring_Of_Gullion showcases one of the best examples of a volcanic ring dyke system in the UK.

It is also home to some incredible biodiversity, including threatened species such as the red squirrel 🐿️ and the pine marten. #RoyalVisitNI pic.twitter.com/HigKs60Mzr

— The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) May 18, 2021

Later, while visiting Belfast, Prince Charles praised the “tireless work” of those working towards peace and reconciliation in the city.

In the couple’s second engagement on Tuesday, Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall met with a number of youth workers at the headquarters of the Education Authority in Belfast city centre.

They heard reflections from young people living in deprived areas on how youth workers had impacted their lives.

In a speech, Charles hailed their efforts to bring about reconciliation.

“I cannot tell you how really inspiring it has been to hear of the tireless work being carried out by youth workers on all sides of the community, and I just wanted to take this opportunity, if I may, to pay special tribute to your dedication and commitment to the cause of peaceful co-existence,” he said.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will conclude their two-day Northern Irish visit today.https://t.co/ihyHS78TRl

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) May 19, 2021

He added: “We must never underestimate the risk, and of course the cost, of holding to peaceful ways, and how much determination and courage is necessary.

“All of you whom I have met here today and many more of your colleagues in your communities have shown those qualities in the most challenging circumstances.

“We owe you a deep debt of gratitude and above all of admiration.”

Among the work discussed at the engagement were schemes to stop bonfire builders from engaging in anti-social behaviour.

He told the youth workers: “Whenever I visit I never cease to be profoundly moved by the work that is being done to heal the pain of the past, to bring understanding and reconciliation in the present and to build hope for the future.

“All who love this very special part of the world can only wish you renewed strength of spirit and resolve as you take forward this work of such vital importance to these islands.”