Charles Brings Royal Honour To RUC

Prince Charles has underlined his commitment to marking the sacrifices and achievements of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

On the final engagement of his three-day programme in NI, The Prince of Wales visited the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) headquarters in Belfast.

In his role as patron of the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross Foundation (RUCGCF) since its establishment in December 2001, he was greeted by Dame Mary Peters Lord Lieutenant of Belfast.

He then went on to meet Owen Paterson, the newly appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and was also introduced to Naomi Long the new East Belfast MP and David Ford, the Stormont Minister for the Department of Justice and Matt Baggott, PSNI Chief Constable.

Following a private meeting with the Chief Constable, His Royal Highness met the PSNI's Senior Command Team, a number of injured police officers, PSNI families and their liaison officers as well as serving police officers and staff.

The Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Chief Constable went on to meet a number of student PSNI officers, and dedicated a tree to commemorate his visit before joining representatives of the RUCGCF at its Memorial Garden including RUCGCF Widows association, Parents Association and Carers Association.

The Disabled Police Officers Association and the Retired Police Officers Association were also represented.

The event brought a busy three days to a conclusion with many separate royal engagements, including enjoying one of Co Down's most picturesque areas - by taking to the waters of Strangford Lough.

He visited the world-leading marine current and tidal stream technology at work during a visit to Queen's University's Marine Research Facility in Portaferry, yesterday.

The Prince heard how Queen's facility provides an operating and monitoring base for MCT and offers research assistance to the Bristol-based company in its operation of its lough-based SeaGen twin turbine tidal generator.

With the background to the project discussed, His Royal Highness then accepted an invitation from Mr Wright to sail out the short distance to the turbine to experience the project in its operational environment.

Back on land again, The Prince of Wales met Professor Trevor Whittaker Professor of Coastal Engineering at Queen's to discuss the university's latest work on wave power.

In the concluding part of the engagement The Prince of Wales joined the Stormont Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Arlene Foster and other guests for a discussion on 'Promoting Renewables'.

See: Power-up Marine Energy, Says Foster

See: Royal Visitor Brightened Balmoral

See: Royal Stamp On City Hall/Prince's Trust Boosted

(BMcC/GK)