Charles and Camilla visit Seamus Heaney HomePlace

One of the first stops in Prince Charles' and the Duchess of Cornwall's four-day tour around the island of Ireland is Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy.
Charles and Camilla arrive at HomePlaceCharles and Camilla arrive at HomePlace
Charles and Camilla arrive at HomePlace

News of their visit comes following days of secrecy over who the expected VVIP visitors to the Mid Ulster centre commemorating the Nobel Laureat's life, could be.

On Friday, Mid Ulster Council chairman Trevor Wilson said he could neither confirm or deny the suggestion Prince Charles was on his way, but he did admit two people were expected.

The poet's family are due to meet the royal couple, as are councillors representing a range of parties from Mid Ulster District Council.

But Mid Ulster MP, Sinn Fein's Francie Molloy will not be there.

He told the Mail he had his invitation rescinded because of the upcoming General Election, a decision that he said also involved MLAs including Sinn Fein's leader in the north - Michelle O'Neill.

Press Association have reported that the trip to Ireland is at the request of the British Government.

A statement from Clarence House said: "This visit will showcase the strength and vitality of the connections between the United Kingdom and Ireland; and the friendship and partnership that has defined our relationship over recent years.

Seamus Heaney HomePlace in BellaghySeamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy
Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy

"The Prince and Duchess's programme will allow them to honour those men and women whose sacrifice in times of conflict shaped our two countries' shared history; and to celebrate all that we do together to cement peace and secure a prosperous future."

The Prince is a big fan of Heaney and was recorded reciting one of his poems - The Shipping Forecast - for the exhibition centre in Bellaghy which celebrates his life and work.

Heaney said his rural childhood in his home village was the source of the extraordinary memory-hoard from which his greatest work sprang.

He was buried in a churchyard in the village in 2013 after a life lived in Dublin and around the world.

Seamus Heaney HomePlace in BellaghySeamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy
Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy

The royal couple will undertake a range of engagements in Northern Ireland, including officially opening a memorial garden to members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) who lost their lives on duty.

Other highlights of their visit will include an engagement at Kilkenny Castle, where they will see some traditional music and watch a hurling demonstration by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).

Charles will tour the United Nations Training School Ireland at the Curragh Camp, while Camilla will visit the Irish National Stud.

Both will attend ceremonies at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin to commemorate those who lost their lives in the First World War and during the Easter Rising and Irish President Michael D Higgins will meet the royal couple in Dublin.

Whilst in Dublin, the Prince will also meet Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the Duchess will conclude their visit by attending a reception at the British ambassador's residence.