Charles and Camilla Visit the Irish Republic

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have embarked on visit to the Republic of Ireland today, where they will spend three days touring the country.

Charles and Camilla’s first stop was a reception at the National University of Ireland Galaway. A performance of traditional Irish dancing welcomed the couple, who then viewed an exhibition of displays showcasing local Irish culture and crafts. In his speech at the reception, Charles said that “there is a magic, a unique magic about Ireland which is totally irresistible.”

Here, the Prince also undertook the first meeting between a member of the royal family and the leadership of Sinn Féin when he shook hands and chatted with the party’s leader Gerry Adams. Mr Adams later said that the meeting had gone well, and that both men had “expressed their regrets for what happened from 1968 onwards” and discussed the “need for the entire process to move forward.” Sinn Féin has links to the Irish Republican Army, who killed the Prince’s great-uncle Earl Mountbatten in 1979.

In the afternoon, Charles and Camilla had separate agendas. Charles visited the Marine Institute and the Burren area of County Clare where he visited farms and spoke with members of the Burren Life project which helps farmers adapt to unique landscape the area has to offer. He was accompanied by the Irish Prime Minister, Enda Kenny.

The Duchess spent her time in Galway’s city centre, visiting the Druid Theatre to watch a short performance of Richard III‘s opening act and the Claddagh National School. She also visited House Hotel where she took in the Taste of the Wild Atlantic Way Food Festival. Camilla tasted a cocktail named The Duchess in her honour during the visit, saying that it “packs a punch!”

A private dinner with President Michael Higgins at Lough Cutra in County Galway concluded the day’s events.

Filed under The United Kingdom
Tagged Ireland, Official Visit, Political Parties, President Higgins of Ireland, Prime Minister Kenny of Ireland, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Prince of Wales.

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