prince charles ireland visit 2022

Prince Charles and Camilla Follow in the Queen's Footsteps in Ireland

The couple are on the final day of their two-day trip to Ireland covering County Waterford and County Tipperary.

When the Queen made her historic visit to Ireland in 2011—the first by a British monarch to do so since Ireland became independent from the United Kingdom 100 years earlier—she was memorably photographed at the Rock of Cashel. And today Prince Charles and Camilla also posed in front of the historic beauty spot on the final day of their two-day trip to Ireland.

The royal couple arrived at the rock in rural County Tipperary just before midday local time and were welcomed by the sound of trumpets before entering the Cathedral to see the Cashel Community Choir. Just as the Queen did more than a decade ago, the Duchess of Cornwall paid tribute to her hosts by wearing green. Her green crepe coat by Bruce Oldfield was worn over a green pinafore dress by Fiona Clare. Mist from earlier in the day had cleared by the time they arrived, meaning that the stunning views from the cluster of medieval buildings could be clearly seen. Charles and Camilla also greeted the people of Cashel, some of whom had gathered behind barriers on the streets near to the rock to see the royals. Originally the seat of the kings of Munster, the site is where Irish king Brian Boru was crowned in 978.

During the Queen’s historic visit more than a decade earlier, she visited Cashel as part of a four-day trip. In a speech at Dublin Castle, she memorably said, “To all those who have suffered as a consequence of our troubled past I extend my sincere thoughts and deep sympathy. With the benefit of historical hindsight we can all see things which we would wish had been done differently or not at all.”

While Charles and Camilla’s trip is less historic, it demonstrates a continued commitment to nurturing the relationship between the two countries. In an address on arrival at Waterford City Hall, the Prince said, “It is in places such as Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, where we are reminded so vividly of our ancient connections, and how they have evolved over time toward a modern friendship.”

Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.

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Prince Charles and Camilla visit Ireland: All we know from where they will stay to planned visits

The visit is expected to generate huge income for Irish tourism as people swarm to the area to catch a glimpse of the royal couple and travel to Ireland to follow in their footsteps over the summer months

• 17:22, 22 MAR 2022

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Britain's Prince Charles and his wife Camilla will begin a State visit to Ireland on Wednesday as they travel to explore Waterford and Tipperary.

The visit is expected to generate huge income for Irish tourism as people swarm to the area to catch a glimpse of the royal couple and travel to Ireland to follow in their footsteps over the summer months.

Public engagements will take place on Thursday and Friday when Charles and Camilla visit various sites in the two counties.

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A major security operation is in place with British royal protection officers teaming up with gardai and diplomatic protection corps officials to ensure the safety of the socialites.

The location of the visits have not been released for security reasons. However, it is believed the heir and his wife will visit locations regarding their interest and passions from heritage, farming, gardens, architecture, equestrian sport, arts, crafts and community development.

Waterford and Tipperary are hopeful that the visit will see a tourism boom like that observed in Cashel and Cork following the high-profile state visit by Queen Elizabeth II, in 2011.

The Queen’s visit to the English Market in Cork city gathered such attention that that special arrangements had to be put in place to cope with visitor numbers for many year after the event.

Prince Charles and Camilla’s visit will be the royals first overseas visit this year after they contracted Covid earlier in 2022 and were unable to travel.

It is expected Prince Charles will visit Cahir Castle and the Rock of Cashel while a visit to nearby Coolmore Stud owned by John Magnier is also on the cards.

While it is a State visit, the couple are not expected to visit Aras An Uachtarain to meet President Michael D Higgins and are said to have no plans to travel to Dublin on this occasion.

The visit will see another two counties ticked off Prince Charles list as he previously expressed a wish to visit every county in Ireland.

On previous visits to the country, the prince and the duchess separated to visit places.

In May 2019 Prince Charles and Camilla visited Co. Wicklow where he visited Glendalough and the botanic gardens at Kilmacurragh, while the duchess visited Avoca Handweavers in Avoca and a women’s refuge in Bray.

There is some speculation the prince and his wife might stay at Cahir Castle, which is managed by the OPW and is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles.

The castle is situated on a rocky island on the River Suir. However, Lismore Castle in Co Waterford has also been mentioned as a possible accommodation.

The castle is the property of the Duke of Devonshire, a wealthy British aristocratic family which was also related to the family of American President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, while President Kennedy stayed there in 1963.

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UK royal family confirm plans to visit Ireland in March as part of world tour

BRITAIN’S ROYAL FAMILY have confirmed plans to visit Ireland as part of a world tour to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s reign reaching its 70th year.

Buckingham Palace confirmed today that Prince Charles and his wife Camilla will visit Ireland from 23 to 25 March.

The Journal reported earlier this month that a major security operation is being planned in Tipperary as the UK queen’s son is due to visit the county.

The future British King is set to visit Cahir Castle and the Rock of Cashel on his private trip to the area. It is understood that nearby Coolmore Stud owned by John Magnier will also feature in the itinerary for the trip.

Members of the royal family are visiting various locations around the world to mark the the queen reaching the 70-year milestone.

Prince William and Kate Middleton will travel to the Caribbean, touring Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas from 19 to 26 March.

The queen’s youngest son Edward will visit Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines from 22 to 28 April. Her youngest daughter Anne will visit Papua New Guinea from 11 to 13 April.

Britain’s queen, who currently has Covid-19, reached her Platinum Jubilee on 6 February, becoming the first British monarch in history to do so.

She called time on her overseas travel a number of years ago, leaving the duties to other family members.

Jubilee tours abroad have long been carried out in celebration of the queen’s milestone anniversaries.

Prince Charles’ visit to Cashel will be the second such visit of a British royal as Queen Elizabeth toured the area in 2011. 

Gardaí and other agencies are at an advanced stage of planning for the visit with a policing plan already developed.

It is understood Charles will stay in the immediate vicinity however the exact location is unlikely to be revealed publicly for security reasons. 

With reporting from Press Association

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Prince Charles hails importance of peace on visit to ‘majestic land’ of Ireland

Prince of wales spoke of two countries forging 'a future that has benefitted both our peoples and the world'.

Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, tour the Waterford Crystal factory during their visit to Waterford, Ireland. Reuters

The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to the friendship between Ireland and Britain, speaking of his joy at returning to the “majestic land”.

Prince Charles restated his ambition to visit every county in Ireland, as he and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall , enjoyed their first official joint visit to County Waterford.

Using a few phrases in the Irish language, he told a crowd gathered for a mayoral reception at Waterford City Hall that it was good to be with old friends again.

The couple enjoyed blue skies and bright sunshine as they were greeted at the start of their visit with a Viking re-enactment — a nod to the past of Ireland’s oldest city.

The pair watched as two actors embarked on a mock battle with swords and shields in front of a Viking longboat, something Prince Charles later said will “certainly live long in our memories”.

While Waterford’s official foundation as a permanent settlement dates back to 914, historians say there are a number of references to Viking encampments as early as 860.

Prince Charles and Camilla , who were given a tour of the city’s medieval museum, met members of the local community on a walkabout, as well as first responders who have helped throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The Prince of Wales also met members of the local Ukrainian community, something he said was “most moving” as he heard about Ireland’s efforts to support them.

In his speech, he said his thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine “as they continue to face such uncertainty and brutal aggression”.

“Such times as we are living through bring into sharp relief the importance of peace and friendship, which history tells us we can too easily take for granted,” he added.

“It is yet another demonstration of how our two countries are not just neighbours, but partners who, though at times we have travelled a troubled road together, have through reconciliation and understanding forged a future that has benefited both our peoples and the world.”

The Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla were greeted by schoolchildren on Tuesday on their royal visit to Northern Ireland. Getty Images

Speaking warmly of his fondness for the country, Prince Charles quipped: “It has long been one of our great ambitions to visit every county of this majestic land before senility totally overtakes us.”

Before his speech, the couple met with various members of Waterford’s community, including businesspeople.

Knitwear designer Christine Murphy, whose brightly coloured outfit was admired by Prince Charles, said the couple are “very welcome” in Ireland.

The 45-year-old businesswoman, whose Waterford-based Urban Aran business specialises in sustainable clothing, said: “He said to me, ‘I love the colours, is this your work? Are you a designer?’

“I thought he was very personable and giving of his time. I think it’s amazing for Waterford, which is Ireland’s oldest city, to have a royal come here and acknowledge that, given the history between Britain and Ireland.

“They’re very welcome by the Waterford people today.”

UK's Prince Charles says democracy under attack in Ukraine

The warm reception from locals continued as Prince Charles went on an impromptu walkabout after visiting local social enterprise Grow It Yourself (GIY), where he worked alongside schoolchildren in a potato-sowing demonstration.

He was accompanied on the visit by Ireland’s Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney and toured the site’s cafe as well as meeting community groups in the vegetable patch and frontline staff from the neighbouring hospital.

Before leaving, Prince Charles crossed the road to shake hands with bystanders who had come out to catch a glimpse of the heir to the throne, clapping and cheering on his arrival.

People shouted “welcome to Ireland” with one woman inquiring if he had had any lunch and appearing to jokingly offer him some lasagne.

Local student Laura Smith, 22, said she was “so excited” to meet Prince Charles and had not expected him to come out and greet her and her father, David.

“He’s lovely, he had time for everyone. The visit is such good publicity for Waterford,” she said.

While Prince Charles was enjoying visits appealing to his environmental passions, Camilla, a keen rider, went along to Henry de Bromhead Stables to see Cheltenham’s Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle and Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore.

There, she was given a tour of the stables, spoke with staff and observed a lesson, and it was revealed that Camilla will present the winning trophy at this year’s Grand National.

Together, the couple earlier paid a visit to world-renowned glass company Waterford Crystal, seeing the production process for themselves and even trying their hand at engraving.

Thursday was the first of the royals’ two-day tour of the Republic, which comes after they spent two days in Northern Ireland.

There, they enjoyed a warm reception from crowds in County Tyrone and Belfast.

Their trip is one of several taking place as the royal family marks Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee year .

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Prince Charles and Camilla set to visit Ireland just after Patrick's Day

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will arrive on Wednesday, March 23, and remain in Ireland until Friday, March 25, the British Embassy in Dublin announced.

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla have announced that they will make a State visit to Ireland next month as part of their Spring Tour. 

The visit is part of the Royal Family's spring tours to mark Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee year. 

• Limerick resident Dominic West to take over as Prince Charles in The Crown

It will be the first overseas visit of the year for Charles and Camilla, who are both presently recovering from Covid-19. 

The visit will focus on County Tipperary and a second undisclosed county, according to the Irish Times. 

Prince Charles is expected to visit Cahir Castle and the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary, while he is also rumored to be considering a visit to the Coolmore Stud owned by Irish businessman John Magnier. 

Although the visit will be a State visit, it will not include any official engagements in Dublin, while there have been no announcements of a trip to Áras An Uachtaráin to meet with Irish President Michael D. Higgins. 

Prince Charles has visited Ireland on several occasions and has previously expressed a desire to visit every Irish county. 

• Prince Charles reached out to Sinn Féin leader after COVID-19 diagnosis

Charles and Camilla last visited Ireland in May 2019, when the Prince of Wales visited Glendalough and the botanic gardens at Kilmaccuragh and the Duchess of Cornwall visited Avoca Handweavers and a women's refuge in Bray, County Wicklow. 

Meanwhile, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge will be visiting Jamaica, Belize, and the Bahamas from March 19-26 as part of the Royal Family's spring tours to mark the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II ascension to the throne. 

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King Charles has ‘profound’ personal connection with Ireland

Landmark 2015 visit to mullaghmore in co sligo where charles’s grand-uncle lord mountbatten was killed ‘lifted a cloud’ in anglo-irish relations.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in Mullaghmore, Co Sligo, in May 2015 - where his grand-uncle Lord Mountbatten was killed by the IRA in 1979. Photograph: Eric Luke

It was two decades since he first came to the Republic but the visit by the then Prince Charles to Sligo in May 2015 marked a milestone in his relationship and that of his family with Ireland.

Coming 36 years after his great-uncle Lord Mountbatten — a man he called “the grandfather I never had” — was killed by an IRA bomb on his fishing boat off Mullaghmore, the visit was deeply personal for the then Prince of Wales but also critically important in the continuing reconciliation between the two countries, addressing one of the darkest moments in Anglo-Irish relations.

Scenes from Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall’s 2015 visit to Lissadell House and Mullaghmore Co.Sligo where Prince Charles’s great-uncle, Lord Louis Mountbatten died in an IRA bombing in 1979.

In his speech at an arts centre in Sligo Institute of Technology, the then Prince of Wales spoke about his own personal loss but framed the killings of Lord Mountbatten and three others that day in Mullaghmore within the context of the suffering of all victims of the 30-year Troubles.

“It seemed as if the foundations of all that we held dear in life had been torn apart irreparably. Through this dreadful experience, though, I now understand in a profound way the agonies borne by so many others in these islands, of whatever faith, denomination or political tradition,” he said.

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To those who heard it, the speech, followed by an emotional visit to the pier at Mullaghmore, addressed tensions that had lingered for almost four decades.

“He lifted a cloud from Mullaghmore and Sligo, a county that felt it never fully recovered from 1979. He spoke very, very movingly,” said one official who travelled with the royal entourage.

“It was very profound, very heartfelt and very personal.”

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Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan, who was minister for foreign affairs at the time and shared a stage with the prince on the visit, described it as “a landmark day in the relationship between Britain and Ireland” but “a day of mixed emotions” personally for Charles.

“It had a real personal resonance; it was a cheerful day tinged with great sadness because it brought back the memory of Mullaghmore and his very personal relationship with Mountbatten,” he said.

But Flanagan also remembers the prince’s “happiness and cheerfulness” in being able to make the visit for the first time. He recalled how the prince even gave him a tip for a horse running that day at the Sligo Races. It was named “Mystic Princess” and came in at 12/1.

Prince Charles with Brigid Barry and Brendan Dunford of Burren Beo Trust, on a visit to the Burren, Co Claire in May 2015. Photograph: Eric Luke

In another gesture of reconciliation on that visit, he met for the first time Gerry Adams, then president of Sinn Féin, the political wing of the paramilitary group that killed his grand-uncle. It was the first time Sinn Féin’s leadership met a member of the royal family in the Republic.

Even during the unofficial part of Charles’s first visit in 1995, the memories of Mullaghmore loomed large. During his private visit to the Delphi fishing lodge in Co Mayo, members of the Mountbatten family travelling with the prince met people they had known from their many, pre-1979 summers at Mullaghmore in what were said to be emotionally charged meetings.

That first 1995 visit made Charles “a pioneer here,” said John Bruton, who was taoiseach at the time, marking the first official royal visit since Irish independence.

“The royal family has always had an interest in Ireland but it was the new king who actually did something about it and came here in 1995,” he said.

“It broke the ice and he was well received with a measure of informality that he wouldn’t have been received with in our neighbouring island,” Bruton said, recalling one shout of “Good man, Charlie” from a crowd gathered during his visit to Trim, Co Meath.

Since 2015, with the ghosts of Mullaghmore banished, the new king’s regular Irish visits have become less formal and more relaxed. In another meeting with Adams in 2017, Charles joked how they were born in the same year (1948) but that the former Sinn Féin leader was a little older.

In an effort to maintain strong Anglo-Irish relations, Charles, who is not known to visit embassies in London, has been a regular visitor to the Irish embassy in the British capital. Strengthening educational ties between the two countries, he is co-patron with President Michael D Higgins of the Institute of Irish Studies at the University of Liverpool.

Since the divisive 2016 Brexit vote, the prince’s visits have an added significance.

One Irish Government official said they have shown how the royal family has “sat above the debate, the tensions and the personalities” and that the visits have served purposefully as “a signal from the top of the British establishment that the relationship is to be protected”.

The British monarch has long promised to visit every Irish county before he dies and — the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 aside — he has kept up his regular visits, including to Waterford and Tipperary in March. In all, he has visited more than half of the 32 counties.

“I hope he continues these visits as king,” said Flanagan.

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Slainte! Prince Charles raises a glass to the 'majestic land' of Ireland as he and Camilla enjoy a tipple of whiskey on a day of engagements in Waterford

• Prince Charles and Camilla, arrived in Waterford, southern Ireland, today
• This is their fifth visit to Ireland together to mark the Platinum Jubilee year
• Royal couple did a public walkabout outside Waterford's Medieval Museum

By Helen Roberts for MailOnline

Published: 09:36 EDT, 24 March 2022 | Updated: 13:36 EDT, 25 March 2022

View comments

Prince Charles and Camilla seemed in good spirits as they arrived in Ireland's oldest city this afternoon to mark the Platinum Jubilee year.

They smiled as they arrived in Waterford, in southern Ireland, on day one of their trip to the Irish Republic.

Charles, 73, and Camilla, 74, kicked off their Republic tour with a visit to the city's Viking Triangle area, arriving at Reginald's Tower – the country's oldest civic building. 

They royal couple have had a busy schedule visiting Waterford's Medieval Museum, Waterford's Crystal Factory, a  non-profit social enterprise, Grow It Yourself (GIY), which helps people learn about food sustainability, as well as Henry de Bromhead Stable and Shane Fitzgerald's Kil Mige Mogue farm.

Prince Charles samples another whiskey of the day during a visit to Shane Fitzgerald's Kil Mige Mogue farm, near Waterford

Prince Charles gets shown around on a visit to Shane Fitzgerald's Kil Mige Mogue farm, near Waterford

Prince Charles gets close to a calf on a visit to Shane Fitzgerald's Kil Mige Mogue farm, near Waterford

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall pets horse Honeysuckle during a visit at the Henry de Bromhead Stable in Waterford

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall poses with Henry De Bromhead (Middle), Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore (Right), and a member of the staff holding horse Honeysuckle during a visit at the Henry de Bromhead Stable

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall meets staff during a visit at the Henry de Bromhead Stable, in Waterford

Prince Charles gets involved with children from a non-profit social enterprise, Grow It Yourself (GIY), which helps people grow food and learn about food sustainability in Waterford

The Royal chats to people involved with the a non-profit social enterprise, Grow It Yourself (GIY)

During a speech at the mayoral reception, Waterford City Hall, the Prince of Wales paid tribute to the friendship between Ireland and Britain and telling of his joy at returning to the 'majestic land'.

Charles restated his ambition to visit every county in Ireland, as he and the Duchess of Cornwall enjoyed their first official joint visit to County Waterford.

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Using a few sentences spoken in the Irish language, he told the crowd it was good to be with old friends again. 

Charles and Camilla met members of the local community on a walkabout, as well as first responders who have helped throughout the coronavirus pandemic. 

Prince of Wales waves to the public as he walks around a non-profit social enterprise, Grow It Yourself (GIY)

Prince gets shown around a non-profit social enterprise, Grow It Yourself (GIY),  in Waterford

The prince talks to a little girl during a walk about outside non-profit social enterprise, GIY, in Waterford

The royal meets members of the public following a visit to non-profit social enterprise, Grow It Yourself (GIY)

Charles also met members of the local Ukrainian community, something he said was 'most moving' as he heard about Ireland's efforts to support them.  

In his speech, he said his thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine 'as they continue to face such uncertainty and brutal aggression'.

He added: 'Such times as we are living through bring into sharp relief the importance of peace and friendship, which history tells us we can too easily take for granted.

'It is yet another demonstration of how our two countries are not just neighbours, but partners who, though at times we have travelled a troubled road together, have through reconciliation and understanding forged a future that has benefitted both our peoples and the world.'

Prince Charles and Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, have a drink of Waterford whiskey during their visit at the Waterford Crystal Factory in Waterford, Ireland

The married couple enjoy a drink together during their visit to Waterford Crystal Factory

The Duchess of Cornwall was seen breaking a glass next to the recycling bin during a visit at the Waterford Crystal Factory in Waterford

Charles was in high spirits ahead of watching Camilla break glass next to the recycling bin during a visit at the Waterford Crystal Factory today 

Speaking warmly of his fondness for the country, Charles quipped: 'It has long been one of our great ambitions to visit every county of this majestic land before senility totally overtakes us.'

Ahead of his speech, the couple met with various members of Waterford's community, including businesspeople.

The royal couple were also treated to a performance by Waterford Viking Re-enactment Group, harking back to the city's past.

They looked on with interest as two actors embarked on a mock battle with swords and shields in front of a Viking longboat, as part of the Waterford Re-enactment group, from Waterford's Medieval Museum. 

Mayor of Waterford City (L) with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at the Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum, during their visit to Waterford in the southeast of the Republic of Ireland

Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at the Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum during their visit to Waterford in the southeast of the Republic of Ireland

Camilla looking at Prince Charles during their Waterford visit, where they are on a tour of the Republic as they continue their Platinum Jubilee tour

The Duchess of Cornwall looked elegant in a forest green dress, teamed with a cropped black cape and knee high boots, while Charles was dapper in a grey suit 

The heir to the throne also met with Joe Kelly, Mayor of Waterford, before chatting to Eamonn McEneaney, the Waterford's Medieval Museum Director.

The Prince of Wales and his wife The Duchess of Cornwall, chatted to performers or reenactors from the Waterford Living History Society.

The museum's re-enactment group are a voluntary, self-funded group; aiming is to bring history to life and give the public a flavour of how the early Vikings, Normans and Irish lived, what they wore, what skills and crafts they had, and how they fought. 

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall talk to the Waterford Re-enactment group during a public walkabout on their official visit to the Republic of Ireland 

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall watch a performance by a Waterford Viking Re-enactment Group as they carry out a public walkabout in Waterford

Performers of a Waterford Viking Re-enactment Group performing for the Prince of Wales and Camilla during their public walkabout in Waterford, Ireland today 

The Duchess of Cornwall was captivated while learning about the history of the Viking boat as she carried out a public walkabout in Waterford

The royal couple learned about the history of the Viking boat and viewed a performance by a Waterford Viking Re-enactment Group during their trip to Ireland today 

The couple are also meeting local business owners and staff outside shops lining their walkabout route. 

During what is their first trip to Ireland since the pandemic began, and the fifth time the royal couple have visited Ireland together, Camilla appeared happy as she walked around accompanying her husband.

Looking elegant, Camila was wearing a green dress with a cream shirt with a black cape, a pair of knee high black boots and a green bag finished the look. 

Joe Kelly, Mayor of Waterford, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Mary Butler, Minister of State and Eamonn McEneaney, Waterford's Medieval Museum Director, pose for a group photo

Charles seemed in high spirits as he took a tour of the Waterford Crystal Factory in Waterford, Ireland today 

The Duchess of Cornwall met a local craftsman making mould during their visit at the Waterford Crystal Factory in Waterford

Charles looked equally smart with a grey suit, a white shirt with a maroon tie and brown shoes.   

Thursday is the first of the royals' two-day tour of the Republic, which comes after they spent two days in Northern Ireland. There, they enjoyed a warm reception from crowds in County Tyrone and Belfast.

On Friday they will journey to County Tipperary where they will finish their trip.

This visit is one of several taking place as the royal family marks the Queen's Platinum Jubilee year.

The Duke and Duchess watched a local craftsman making a mould during their visit at the Waterford Crystal Factory

Prince Charles takes a tour during his visit at the Waterford Crystal Factory in Waterford, Ireland today 

Prince Charles chats to Falklands veteran James Ecclestone during a public walkabout in Waterford

The Prince of Wales is greeted by Joe Kelly, Mayor of Waterford, on day one of his official visit to the Republic of Ireland 

Share or comment on this article: Prince Charles joins Camilla for a public walkabout in Ireland for the Platinum Jubilee year

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Charles and Camilla’s past visits to the Republic of Ireland

Ahead of their upcoming visit to Ireland, announced as part of a wide range of tours being undertaken by the Royal Family in Platinum Jubilee year, Royal Central is looking back at previous royal visits by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to the Republic of Ireland.

The royals have visited regularly in recent years, with one tour a year between 2015-2019. Prior to that, Prince Charles had visited solo in 1995 and 2002.

Prince Charles became the first member of the Royal Family to visit the Republic of Ireland since independence. Protesters greeted him at every stop, but he still drew cheering crowds at every stop, too.

Years later, in declassified papers about the historic royal visit, the then-Ambassador to Ireland, Victoria Sutherland, wrote: “ The overwhelmingly favourable reaction to the Prince of Wales from people in all walks of life including many who describe themselves as staunch republicans has exceeded all expectations. The Irish have clearly responded to the Prince of Wales’ relaxed and easy manner and everyone to whom I have since spoken has commented on his repeatedly expressed desire to visit Ireland again. The only disappointment will be when it is realised that HRH did not mean next week.”

Prince Charles’s next visit to Ireland came in February 2002, and in a speech he praised the country and its ways: “Ladies and Gentlemen, you may not believe me when I say this but funnily enough it is nevertheless true that one of the reasons that I am so pleased to have this chance of returning to Ireland is because I have always felt what can only be described as a sense of affinity with the rhythms of the Irish soul, your sense of spontaneity, the respect for the sacred, which seems to be second nature to you: the inner world of the Irish imagination and your love of nature as the theatre of divine presence.

“For me in many ways the ancient land of Ireland does have a remarkable tradition of cultural and spiritual creativity and it can be a powerful magic for some.”

Prince Charles and Camilla made their first official visit to the Republic of Ireland between 19-20 May 2015, with stops in Galway, Oranmore, Gort, Sligo, Drumcliffe, Cliffoney, and Mullaghmore.

One of the most poignant moments of their visit came during the trip to Mullaghmore, the location of the assassination of Lord Mountbatten in 1979. The royals met with members of the rescue operation on that day. Prince Charles was clearly moved as he looked out to the site where his beloved uncle had lost his life.

The following year, Prince Charles and Camilla added a day on to their tour of Northern Ireland with a stop in the Republic of Ireland, visiting on 25 May with engagements in Donegal, Letterkenny and Churchill.

From 10-12 May 2017, Prince Charles and Camilla carried out an official visit with engagements in Dublin, Kilkenny, Thomastown, and Curragh.

In 2018, the royals visited Cork, Caherdaniel, Tralee, and Killarney. In a speech in Cork, Prince Charles said: “I know, and coming here for the last four years has confirmed to me, just how important we are to each other, at the end of the day. Apart from anything else, the agricultural exports from this country to the United Kingdom are enormous, and of huge importance; tourism from the U.K. to Ireland is also of enormous importance and so of course are horses and everything to do with racing! When we get back to the U.K., next week is Ascot week, when the whole place will be flooded by wonderful Irish people, producing fantastic horses, and all that goes with it.

“So Ladies and Gentlemen, as I said earlier, our countries, have travelled a troubled road together but with reconciliation and understanding as our guides, we have found a very important new path to shared prosperity and security. And together, we are determined that we must never lose our way again.

“So Ladies and Gentlemen, if I may, I would just like to propose a toast to The President of Ireland, and the people of Ireland, and to the special partnership between our countries.”

Their most recent visit to the Republic of Ireland came on 20 and 21 May 2019, with engagements in Dublin, Enniskerry, Kilbride, and Glendalough.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrive in the Republic of Ireland for their latest visit this week.

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How King Charles Is Breaking With Royal Tradition in a Major Way

K ing Charles III has piqued the interest of royal fans by offering tours of private rooms at Balmoral Castle for the first time since its completion.

The lucrative tours , taking place between July 1 and Aug. 4, set buyers back £100 ($126.34) or £150 ($189.51) for a package including afternoon tea. Highlighting the demand, tickets sold out in a single day . Sets of 40 tickets per day were first advertised on Wednesday, and by Thursday they had all gone. 

Balmoral Castle , located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is an intimate site for members of the royal family; it’s the monarch’s summer home, it’s where Prince William and Prince Harry learned of their mother’s fatal car crash in 1997, and it’s the beloved residence where Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022, after 70 years on the throne.  

Before now, tours had only offered a glimpse of the ballroom, as well as the castle grounds and gardens. But with King Charles’ permission, history buffs can expect an interior tour that spans the Victorian era to the present day. Groups of 10 people per tour will “learn about the origins of the Castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal family,” according to Balmoral’s ticketing page. 

The tour will still include a visit to the ballroom, where the King’s watercolor collection is on display, which depicts scenery at Balmoral, Highgrove, and Sandringham. Visitors can also explore outfits worn by the King and Queen Camilla, Queen Elizabeth II, and the Queen Mother.

Balmoral is the private property of the monarch, and it is not attached to the Crown estate. The tours are scheduled to end just before the King and Queen arrive for their 2024 summer break at the residence.

The Highlands home has been a royal haven since 1852, when it was officially purchased by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, for £32,000, which equates to £3.7 million today ($4.7 million), according to the Bank of England calculator . The royal couple decided to expand the castle, believing it to be too small for their family. The works were completed sometime between 1855 and 1856, and the old building was then demolished.

As it currently stands, the estate covers 50,000 acres and consists of 150 buildings, including the King’s house at Birkhall, Craigowan Lodge. The granite castle itself reportedly has 167 rooms, with 52 bedrooms, according to the Guardian , which estimated in 2023 that the estate could be worth £80 million ($101 million).

The tour comes as Buckingham Palace also prepares to welcome visitors to its East Wing for the first time . Special guided tours will take place throughout July and August, following five years of improvement renovations.  

Like Balmoral, the East Wing carried significance for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, as it was first occupied by their family after its creation between 1847 and 1849. It is now used for official meetings and events, and includes the palace’s facade and balcony, where monarchs have appeared alongside their family for historic appearances since 1851.

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King Charles Is Opening New Doors to Royal Palaces, Including Family's Summer Retreat, to Public for First Time

Visitors will be able to tour Balmoral Castle, where Queen Elizabeth died, and new nooks of Buckingham Palace, including the room that leads out to the iconic balcony

Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty; Greg Balfour Evans/Alamy

Balmoral Castle and Buckingham Palace are welcoming visitors in new ways.

It was revealed this week that both royal residences will welcome visitors into previously unseen spaces through ticketed tours this summer. In fact, Balmoral Castle in Scotland is opening "for the first time since the castle was completed in 1855," its website says.

Balmoral is famed as the royal family's cherished summer sanctuary in the Scottish Highlands, but it also holds sad memories for the group. Prince William  and  Prince Harry were spending time there in August 1997 when their mother, Princess Diana , tragically died in a car crash in Paris.

Queen Elizabeth , who her granddaughter  Princess Eugenie  once said was "most happy" at Balmoral, died there in 2022. Sources told PEOPLE at the time it was fitting she spend her last hours there because it was such a special place for her and her family — and now, the public can step into the castle in Aberdeenshire for themselves.

Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty

The Castle Internal Guided Tours experience is touted as a "historical journey" through "several of the beautiful rooms," comprised of a private guide that talks visitors through its history from acquisition by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1845 to a peek at how King Charles , Queen Camilla and other royal family members continue to use the space today. 

The royal family has previously permitted tours at Balmoral around the grounds and gardens, but access inside the castle was limited to the ballroom, making the Castle Internal Guided Tours the most intimate yet.

The tours are set to run from July 1 to August 4, capped at 10 people per session. The general guided excursion currently costs about $126 a person, while tickets with afternoon tea are about $189 — and are open to adults only.

Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty

While many of the internal Balmoral Castle tours have already sold out, there’s still plenty of availability for the Balmoral General Admission, featuring a trove of artwork by King Charles plus some royal fashion. The Ballroom promises "His Majesty The King's watercolor collection depicting scenery at Balmoral, Highgrove and Sandringham" and a "collection of outfits worn by Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, the late Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother."

While Buckingham Palace has been a popular stop for royal watchers since 1993 when Queen Elizabeth opened its gates as a fundraiser after a devastating fire ripped through Windsor Castle in 1992, new areas of the famous London residence will be available to tour for the first time this year.

The East Wing of Buckingham Palace, where the King filmed his Christmas broadcast in December 2023, will be toured for the first time come summer. On April 3, the Royal Collection Trust announced that the iconic palace will open the wing via the Principal Floor following five years of restorative work.

Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool /Getty

The East Wing includes the front façade and iconic palace balcony, "where the monarch and members of the royal family have gathered for public appearances during special occasions or historic moments since 1851," including royal weddings, coronations and Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration of the monarch's birthday.

The Royal Collection Trust said that the royal family still uses the wing today for official meetings and events.

Royal watchers can save the date for East Wing Highlights Tours held daily in July and August starting July 15, booked in addition to standard admission to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace.

Chris Jackson/Getty 

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The palace will be open seven days a week in July and August for the first time since 2019 before scaling back to five days a week in September.

While Buckingham Palace is synonymous with the British royals and serves as the hub of the monarchy’s operations, King Charles and Queen Camilla don’t actually live there! The palace is in the middle of a $460 million renovation reportedly not due to be complete until 2027 .

Stuart C. Wilson/Getty

As King Charles, 75, invites the public into new nooks for the first time this summer, The Times cited royal biographer Robert Hardman’s prediction that the King would open up Balmoral during his reign.

"Balmoral is private property. However, it needs public footfall not just to help pay the bills but to bring benefits to the wider community and to remain in step with other stately homes," the outlet quoted Hardman as writing in Charles III. New King. New Court. The Inside Story 2024 , which was published under the title The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy in the U.S. in January.

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King Charles may invite Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Balmoral this summer: royal source

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King Charles may extend an olive branch and invite Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Balmoral Castle this summer in a bid to be reunited with his grandchildren, sources tell Page Six.

The cancer-stricken monarch has seen Prince Archie, who turns 5 next month, on just a few occasions — and only seen Princess Lilibet in person once.

However, there is buzz that Charles, 75, will invite the Sussexes to the royal family’s beloved retreat.

The monarch likes to retire to the Scottish countryside every year and is joined by members of the family, from the Prince and Princess of Wales — who is fighting her own cancer battle — to his own siblings.

A well-placed society source told us, “I can see Charles desperately wanting to see the children, and extending this olive branch to Meghan and Harry. He may decide that life is just too short.

“Balmoral is truly the perfect, restful place for a reunion. If he does issue an invite, then Harry and Meghan should surely agree to the visit.”

Charles only met Lilibet — nicknamed Lili — for the first time during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for the late Queen Elizabeth in June 2022.

It was confirmed that Charles spent time with the children during a vist that a royal source later described as “fantastic” and “very emotional.”

“It was a fantastic visit and, of course, the king was delighted to see his grandson and meet his granddaughter for the first time,” the source added.

Harry reaches the milestone age of 40 in September and, as we have reported, is keen to reconcile with his father despite the past few years of a much-publicized family fallout.

The Duke of Sussex flew more than 5,000 miles from his home in California to see Charles when the king was diagnosed with cancer in February — but was only given a 40-minute audience with his father.

There was no comment from Buckingham Palace on an invitation, while Sussex sources said they were not aware of any approach for the summer months just yet.

Markle, 42, meanwhile, has rarely been back to the UK since the Sussexes quit the UK and their roles as senior royals in March 2020.

Although the couple returned for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, they were banned from joining the family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace as they are no longer working royals.

Markle joined her husband at the late queen’s funeral in September 2022 but has not stepped foot in his homeland since then, including for Charles’ coronation.

Balmoral was Queen Elizabeth’s favorite spot and she actually died there .

In his bombshell memoir, “Spare,” Harry wrote of his love of Balmoral, and recalled that his grandmother’s culinary speciality was salad dressing, while his grandfather, Prince Phillip, would tend the grill “amid a thick cloud of smoke, tears streaming from his eyes. He wore a flat cap, which he took off now and then to mop his brow or smack a fly. 

“As the fillets of venison sizzled he turned them with a huge pair of tongs, then put on a loop of Cumberland sausages. Normally I’d beg him to make a pot of his specialty, spaghetti Bolognese.” .

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Prince Harry has 'no choice' but to meet with King Charles and Prince William on next UK visit

Prince Harry will be forced to meet with his father King Charles III and brother Prince William when he visits the UK next month.

The Duke of Sussex is set to visit the UK at the beginning of May as he attends a celebration of ten years of the Invictus Games , which includes a special service held at St. Paul's Cathedral on May 8. Whilst his relationship with his brother and father might still be estranged and tense, Harry might feel he has 'no choice' but to see the Royal Family whilst he visits rather than try and find excuses to avoid an awkward meeting.

Royal author Tom Quinn exclusively told The Mirror: "Barring a major upset, Harry will certainly return to the UK for the Invictus games in May – it's his baby.

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"If he decides not to come, it will take some explaining, because everyone will assume it's because he doesn't want the awkwardness of having to meet his brother or having to choose not to meet him."

Tom continued: "Not coming would be worse than finding some sort of compromise where Harry sees William for 10 minutes or comes up with some reason why he doesn't have time to see his brother and his father and has to get back to the States quickly to be with his children. But no one is going to be fooled by these excuses."

Prince Harry's visit will come with some fraught feelings from the Duke as he returns to the UK after his defeat at the UK High Court earlier this year, where he lost his case against the Home Office and RAVEC following downgrades to his security after he stepped back from being a working royal.

The Duke had been trying to overturn a ruling which saw his security status downgraded after he stopped being a "working royal", as he cited concerns over his safety and that of his wife and two young children. Harry's legal team previously told the High Court: "The claimant’s consistent position has been, and remains, that he should be given state security in light of the threats/risks he faces."

It's not yet known whether the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle will visit the UK alongside her husband. Meghan has rarely been back in the UK since the pair stepped back from their royal duties in 2020, with her last visit in 2022 to attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. However, she did not return for King Charles III’s coronation last year, which Harry attended alone.

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