Prince Charles, who last visited Ireland twenty years ago, is due to meet Gerry Adams later today. This is the first time the Sinn Fein leader will meet a member of the Royal Family.
Today Charles and Camilla will also attend a ceremony in NUI Galway - where he will meet Adams among an additional 100 guests), as well as visit the Burren, before they have "a private dinner" with President Higgins and his wife Sabina later this evening.
Tomorrow he visits Mullaghmore in Sligo, which is bound to be an emotional pilgrimage for the Prince given it's where his great uncle - whom he greatly admired - was assassinated by the IRA. Lord Mountbatten was killed on back in August 27th, 1979, when a remote controlled bomb caused his boat to explode.
Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said: "This visit to the west of Ireland further cements the reconciliation work of recent decades, to which Prince Charles has made a strong contribution through his previous visits to Ireland. I look forward to joining the visit programme in Sligo, where this theme of peace and reconciliation will be highlighted in particular."
A Clarence House spokesperson added: “Both visits will recognise the warm friendship and close co-operation that exists between the UK and Ireland, with peace and reconciliation being one of the main themes of Their Royal Highnesses’ programme; alongside heritage, community, conservation and innovation."
Via The Irish Examiner
