AMONG HIS many possessions, Prince Charles now owns the Book of Common Prayer as Gaeilge – Leabhar na hUrnaí Coitinne.
The Irish-language version was presented to the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall on the first stop of a short, low-key visit to the North.
Irish-language groups turned up to meet the royal couple at St George’s Church in Belfast on Thursday, a building of historical and architectural significance.
Charles visited the Church of Ireland building 21 years ago to witness the damage it had suffered as a result of city centre bombs during the Troubles. A major programme of renovation has since been under way.
First Minister Peter Robinson and Secretary of State Owen Paterson were in attendance yesterday.
The Prince of Wales also visited Armagh Gaol; he caused a bit of a stir when his helicopter staged a surprise landing in the historic city.
The Prince's Regeneration Trust
is involved in plans to turn the ancient prison into a hotel and cultural centre. He conducted a walkabout through the small crowd before proceeding on to a heritage conference at Armagh Planetarium.
Meanwhile, the Duchess of Cornwall, dressed in green silk Valentino, attended a jubilee lunch in Armagh.
Earlier in the day the royals had visited Irwin’s Bakery in Portadown, Co Armagh, which celebrates its centenary this year and remains a family firm.
They returned home to England last night.