Duchess of Cornwall in County Down

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, Patron of The National Literacy Trust, yesterday visited Dundonald Library near Belfast and read a story to around twenty children from local primary schools.

On arrival HRH was greeted by Mr David Lindsay, HM Lord-Lieutenant of County Down.

Her Royal Highness, accompanied by Ms Irene Knox, Chief Executive, Libraries NI, went on to meet Ms Viv Bird, Chief Executive, Booktrust; Mr Jonathan Douglas, Director National Literacy Trust and representatives from Libraries NI; Mrs Kim Aiken, Learning Development Manager; Ms Valerie Christie, Children’s Services Manager; and Dr David Elliott, Chairman, Libraries NI.

Later HRH met a number of Fosters carers and children, School principals, Libraries NI Board members and Libraries NI Staff.

Following a few words of welcome from Ms Irene Knox, Her Royal Highness accepted a gift of three children’s storybooks entitled “Lost and Found” by Oliver Jeffers, “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney and “Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell from eight year old Emily Stothers, a pupil of Dundonald Primary School.

HRH also accepted an invitation to sign the visitors’ book commemorating the visit.

Also in attendance were:-

• Mr Ian Webb, Sheriff for County Down.
• The Worshipful the Mayor of Castlereagh, Councillor Mrs Vivienne McCoy
• Mr Stephen Reid, Chief Executive, Castlereagh Borough Council
• Mrs Naomi Long MP, MP for East Belfast
• Mr Nelson McCausland MLA, Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure
• Dr David Elliott, Libraries NI, the public library service for Northern Ireland
• Ms Irene Knox, Chief Executive, Libraries NI.