A BELFAST church, once scarred by bomb attacks during the worst of the Troubles, welcomed the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall through its doors yesterday afternoon.
Prince Charles and Camilla brought the bustling city centre to a virtual standstill as their cavalcade swept into St George’s Church on High Street.
The Royal couple were met at the entrance to the church by First Minister Peter Robinson and Secretary of State Owen Paterson, as well as the Lord-Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast, Dame Mary Peters.
During their hour-long stay, the couple met members of the church congregation and those involved in the ongoing restoration, while they also heard a performance by the church choir.
They also spoke to those involved in the promotion and protection of the Irish language.
Indeed, Prince Charles said he would like to learn Irish, but said he would not have the time to do so.
Caroline O’Nolain from the Church of Ireland Irish Language Guild said she was surprised to have been invited to the Royal visit.
“Surprised and even a little shocked,” she said yesterday.
“It was a great acknowledgement of the work that we have been doing, that Princes Charles asked that we come along today.
“He told me that he would like to learn Irish, but said that he wouldn’t have time and that he was also trying to learn Arabic.”
Agnes Cairns from the Mothers’ Union group based at St George’s said she had difficulty keeping the Royal visit under wraps.
“I was told about it around two weeks ago but we were not allowed to tell anyone, and that was difficult because it is exciting.
“I wasn’t even allowed to tell my husband,” Agnes laughed.
“They are a very nice couple and it was a delight to meet them here today.”
The Rev Brian Stewart presented the Prince and Duchess with Church of Ireland Prayer Books, published in both English and Irish.
He said. “The last time you [Prince Charles] were here in 1991, you saw the scars of the Troubles on the church building.
“Today, I am sure you see many changes. Northern Ireland has undergone a transformation and this church is a reflection of that,” the Rev Stewart added.”
Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle from the Prince’s Regeneration Trust said she was “delighted” to see Prince Charles and his wife at the Belfast church.
“There were three key areas of interest for the Prince on this visit here to St George’s: architecture, the wonderful music from the choir, and the work of all the groups involved with the church,” she said.
“This little church, which you could almost miss, is right at the heart of Belfast city centre. It is a wonderful church which reaches right across the community and plays such an important role in so many people’s life.
“It stands as a shining symbol of the progress this city has made; it is truly one of the glories of Belfast.
“Today’s Royal visit has been a tremendous success. It’s a great day for St George’s and another great day for Belfast,” she added.
For 17-year-old Jamie Pawson yesterday’s visit was a poignant occasion.
“This is my last engagement as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, so it is a bit special,” said Jamie.
“This is my second time meeting Prince Charles and Camilla; the last time was at Buckingham Palace.
“It has been a great privilege to be the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for the last year. I have been able to meet some great people and they are experiences which I will always remember.”
Una NiMhonachain from the Andersonstown Road, who played the harp during the visit, expressed her surprise at the Prince’s knowledge of the instrument.
“He asked whether it was a clairseach – which is an Irish harp – and I told him it was.
“I didn’t really expect him to know the difference, but he seemed genuinely interested,” said Una.
