The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince of Wales made history as they arrived in Northern Ireland as part of the celebrations to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and becoming the first members of the Royal Family to visit Cookstown.
The royal couple began the day in Cookstown, County Tyrone where they were greeted by 300 school children. There, they visited Superstars Cafe, a working charity that helps train and provide employment for about 20 people young people with learning disabilities.
Charles and Camilla were shown the charity’s horticulture work, as well as craftwork and furniture restoration before they unveiled a plaque to mark their visit. While in the area, they also met with local shop owners and members of the local community.
Following their visit to town, the Prince attended a reception with community groups at the historic Lissan House. He saw first hand the extensive renovation work being done to the 17th-century country house and met with people involved in the estate.
It was then on to mark the 20th anniversary of Rural Support Northern Ireland. Established in 2002, it provides a range of services for farmers and their families across Northern Ireland. The anniversary was marked at the College of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Enterprise by the cutting of a cake and the unveiling of a plaque.
As for the Duchess, she met with those involved in the Starfish project at a Women’s Air refuge. The project helps provide support to victims of domestic abuse who are leaving their housing support services.
Near the end of the day, the Prince met with students supported by The Prince’s Foundation before he planted a tree in the gardens of Hillsborough Castle. The tree is part of The Queen’s Green Canopy which looks to plant trees across the nation in honour of Her Majesty’s Jubilee.
The Prince and Duchess will carry out a series of engagements both separately and together during their stay in Northern Ireland. The royal couple last came to Northern Ireland in May 2021.
