
Since 2015, Prince Charles had made visiting Ireland an annual tradition but because of the coronavirus pandemic, Charles will not be able to make his yearly trip.
In a statement published the British Embassy in Dublin, the Prince – on behalf of him and his wife – sent a message of support to the people of Ireland.
“My wife and I cherish such special memories of our visit to Sligo five years ago, and much of each of the visits we have made to Ireland every year since. It has meant so much to us that we have been able to play our small part in the vital process of reconciliation on the island of Ireland and towards reaffirming the essential bond between the people of Ireland and the people of the United Kingdom.
“Although it is a matter of particular sadness that, due to the current public health crisis, we are unable to visit Ireland and Northern Ireland this year, we very much look forward to visiting again once happier times return.
Go gcastar ar a chéile arÃs muid.
Go dté sibh slán.
Until we all meet together again. May you all remain safe and well.”
The couple spent four days in Ireland in 2015. During the visit, they visited Mullaghmore in Co Sligo, the place where the Prince’s great-uncle, Lord Mountbatten, was murdered by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in 1979.
At the time, the Prince said he understood the “agonies” of the so many others who have lost loved ones in the 30-year conflict on the island of Ireland.
In recent years, the Prince and the Duchess have visited Donegal, Kilkenny, Kildare, and Dublin, as well as Cork, Kerry and Wicklow.