Prince pays a visit to Lisburn

The Duke, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Irish Regiment, went to see the statue in Market Square as one of a series of engagements in the city on Wednesday afternoon.

The Prince went first to Lagan Valley Island where he was welcomed by the Lord Lieutenant Mrs Joan Christie, the Deputy Mayor, Alderman William Leathem, Lagan Valley MP Mr Jeffrey Donaldson and the Council’s Chief Executive, Mr Norman Davidson.

During the visit, the Duke toured ‘The Harp and Crown – A History of Irish Soldiering’ Exhibition which is on display at Lagan Valley Island as part of the conferment of the Freedom of the City on the Royal Irish Regiment, which took place last month.

Following the tour, he attended a meeting in the building with Invest Northern Ireland.

“This is the second visit for The Duke of York to Lagan Valley Island and we were honoured to welcome him to our City once again”, said the Deputy Mayor, Mr Leathem.

“As a former Royal Navy pilot, The Duke of York knows, from first hand experience, the dangers faced, the sacrifices made and the bravery of our armed forces worldwide. It was particularly fitting then that he was able to visit the Harp and Crown Exhibition here in Lisburn.

“His arrival at Lagan Valley Island was a wonderful finale to a month long series of events held in the City, which has seen the Royal Irish Regiment receive the Freedom of the City, the unveiling of a UDR memorial in Lisburn and the beginning of the nationwide Armed Forces week.

“We are honoured to receive The Duke of York following these very special events, “ he added.

The Duke then went onto Hillsborough where he was the guest of honour at a Garden Party in the grounds of the Castle.

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