Rapturous welcome for Prince of Wales

His Royal Highness Prince Charles was welcomed to Larne by cheers and rapturous applause by hundreds of well-wishers on Tuesday, June 25.
Prince Charles waves to the crowds in Larne. INLT 26-486-PRPrince Charles waves to the crowds in Larne. INLT 26-486-PR
Prince Charles waves to the crowds in Larne. INLT 26-486-PR

The prince visited Larne Town Hall where he met members of the farming community who were affected by the unprecedented heavy snowfall in March.

Outside, in Upper Cross Street, spectators - including many local schoolchildren from across the borough - were delighted to receive a royal handshake during an impromptu walkabout.

One lucky girl couldn’t believe her luck when she received a hug and a handshake.

Primary five pupil Faye Bolt, from Mullaghdubh Primary, was thrilled to get up close to His Royal Highness.

Another pupil Katie McErlean described meeting the prince as “awesome”.

Principal Arlene Cambridge said it had been “very good” of Prince Charles to take the time to meet the children.

“It was very exciting. They have enjoyed it,” she said.

Among the excited royal watchers was Carol Milligan who had taken up her position at 10am.

“I wanted to get a good view and it was absolutely worth it,” she told the Larne Times.

Carol said that she has seen every member of the royal family and has attended the Trooping of the Colour in London four times.

Another early bird was Jennifer Crothers who took up her position opposite the front door of the town hall at 9.45am, just over four hours before the prince’s arrival.

“I can’t believe that he actually came to Larne,” she said.

“It’s excellent. When I got up in the morning, I did not expect to be this close to a royal.”

Another keen onlooker was Jim King, he said: “It is great for Larne and will put us on the map again.”

Delighted to receive a royal handshake was Jean McIlroy who said she loved the royal family.

“He said it was nice to be here,” she said of her encounter with the prince.

Liz Swann said it was nice to see the town centre decorated in red, white and blue bunting.

“There’s been a great atmosphere for the prince’s visit,” she said.