Prince Edward in NI

The Earl of Wessex has begun a two-day visit to Northern Ireland.

His Royal Highness was greeted at Belfast City Airport by the Lord-Lieutenant of Belfast, Mrs Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle CBE.

Prince Edward arrived at The St Patrick Centre, Downpatrick, County Down, where he met the Centre's Director, Mr Tim Campbell.

After lunch, HRH visited Down Cathedral, where he was greeted by the Dean of Down, the Very Rev Henry Hull, the Lord Bishop of Down and Dromore, the Rt Rev Harold Miller, Mrs Hull, Mrs Miller, and the Organist and Master of the Choristers, Mr Michael McCracken.

His Royal Highness then proceeded to the Downpatrick and County Down Railway Museum, where he was greeted by the Vice-President, Mr William Gillespie, and the Chairman, Mr John Wilson.

THIS EVENING, The Earl of Wessex was guest of honour at a special event in the headquarters of Belfast Education and Library Board, Belfast.

HRH was met on arrival by Dr Clare Mangan, Chief Executive, Rosemary Rainey, BELB board member, and Claire McCollum, freelance presenter.

Prince Edward then made his way to the Belfast Harbour Commissioners’ Offices for his final engagement of the day,  a reception to celebrate Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Joint Award Initiative Leaders.

His Royal Highness also had the opportunity to meet and present Bronze awards to a small number of recipients who had completed the programme under the Joint Award Initiative with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.