Irish eyes smile on Charles as he visits Liverpool
IT WAS the sort of reception which Liverpool usually reserves for its footballers, but a rapturous welcome awaited the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall as they met Ireland’s President, Michael D Higgins yesterday.
Students at the city’s principal university lined barriers to catch a glimpse of the Royal couple as they began a day of marking the city’s culture and history by celebrating the university’s Institute of Irish Studies – whose foundations lie in the 1985 AngloIrish Agreement to foster greater understanding between the two islands.
As they arrived at the Victoria Gallery, the bright red campus building that gave all the “redbrick” universities of the early 20th century their name, one excited student reached out to embrace Camilla.
Moonsun Kim, from Korea, who is studying supply chain management, said: “I hope I wasn’t wrong to give her a hug.”
Soon after Charles and Camilla arrived, they welcomed Mr Higgins and his wife, Sabina, who were yesterday midway through a three-day visit to the UK.
Following protocol, the Royals arrived first and waited patiently for the visitors, then greeted them warmly.
The four of them held a private meeting for around 15 minutes before chatting to guests at a reception which included representatives from Liverpool Irish Centre and Irish businesses as well as students and academics from the institute.
In his speech, Mr Higgins highlighted the common ancestry between his homeland and the city.
He said: “It is the people of Liverpool and their unique,
Up to threequarters of all people here can easily claim Irish ancestry. Ireland’s President, Michael D Higgins speaking in Liverpool yesterday.
optimistic outlook and natural warmth which make this place what it is and sustain Liverpool’s energy and cultural creativity.
“And as you know, the very Irishness of Liverpool might just have something to do with that. Indeed, it has been claimed that up to three-quarters of all people here can easily claim Irish ancestry.”
Charles has toured Ireland every year since 2014 and the president highlighted his dedication to preserving ties.