Prince Charles praises peace efforts in NI and ROI

Prince Charles has called on conflict zones around the world to copy the example of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in seeking out peace.

The Prince of Wales made the comments as he visited Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

"The border is of the merest consequence and Co Donegal, Co Derry, or Londonderry, and Co Tyrone operate as a single economic entity to the great benefit of their inhabitants,” he said.

"So, I can only applaud the people of all three counties for proving that it is possible for communities that have been divided for so long to overcome their differences and create a peaceful and prosperous life together.

"I do so hope that the example you have set will be copied in other areas of the world that have suffered so much conflict."

Security was tight for the couple's engagements, with two women protesting on the edge of Donegal town and about 30 republicans making their opposition known with placards a few hundred yards from Letterkenny IT.

Charles and Camilla also toured Donegal Castle, the Magee Donegal tweed factory and local artisan butchers McGettigans.

Earlier Charles and Camilla spent half an hour shaking hands with and talking to people in the Diamond in Donegal town.

Pupils at Glebe National School were among the crowds who saw the royals.

The Church of Ireland Archdeacon David Huss, who is chairman of the school, said it was a fantastic experience for the children as Charles and Camilla spent half an hour shaking hands with the gathered crowds.

"It's fantastic, a brilliant moment for Donegal town," he said.

"The Prince and Duchess are very, very welcome. We are delighted that they chose, of all places, Donegal town.

"The children were very keen to come and see them but definitely we thought it was an important day. It's an historic moment and a moment they will remember forever - it's unlikely they will have another opportunity."

The McGettigan brothers, local butchers, said they had worked for six months on a special sausage for Charles, the ‘Buckingham Black Banger’.

"He's so normal, down-to-earth, one of us - there's nothing different about him.

"He's put out the hand of friendship to us in the north-west of Ireland for the second time in 12 months so obviously what do we do, we put the hand back, straight back to him. We must be doing something right."

The day trip ended in a reception at Glenveagh National Park and Castle.