Prince Charles and Camilla are in Northern Ireland on an official state visit and if history wasn't enough to make this trip stand out—recent news stories are.
The royal couple is in Northern Ireland for two days and their trip wasn't revealed until they touched down in the country.
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A tweet shared by the Northern Ireland government read: 'Delighted to welcome TRHs The Prince of Wales & The Duchess of Cornwall as they commence a two-day visit to Northern Ireland. They can be assured of a very warm welcome!'
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall have arrived in Belfast to begin a two-day visit to Northern Ireland. #RoyalVisitNIhttps://t.co/XxL3tba4pT
— The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) May 18, 2021
There's very little information on the purpose of their visit, where they are staying, or whether they'll be making any public appearances.
Although it's not been confirmed why this is, the Daily Mail reported that on their last trip to Northern Ireland in September 2020: 'In keeping with royal visits to Northern Ireland, details were not released in advance and the itinerary was not disclosed for security reasons.'
Their last trip was in the midst of the pandemic and 71-year-old Charles and 73-year-old Camilla were there for a series of engagements to show their gratitude to individuals who have gone the extra mile during the pandemic.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during a visit to Belfast City Hall in Donegall Square, Belfast. Pic: PA Wire
Sadly, in the time since their last visit, there's been a widely reported increase in tension over the border, with riots in Derry, Belfast, Carrickfergus and Newtonabbey.
As well as that, a recent inquest in Northern Ireland found that ten people killed in West Belfast neighbourhood Ballymurphy, were unarmed, innocent civilians that posed no threat to soldiers. The Irish Times reports that the murders happened during a British Army operation in 1971.
Although there's been an apology from the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, this isn't seen as sufficient justice by the victims' families.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall signing the visitor's book during a visit to Belfast City Hall in Donegall Square, Belfast. Pic: REXThe Duchess of Cornwall arrives to meet historians and staff at Belfast City Hall and to hear about the past, present and future of Belfast and learn of the new vision for the City. Pic: PA WireThe Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall meet historians and staff at Belfast City Hall to hear about the past, present and future of Belfast and learn of the new vision for the City. Pic: PA WirePrince Charles, Prince of Wales arrives at the Education Authority on May 18, 2021 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Pic: Getty ImagesThe Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall signing the visitor's book during a visit to Belfast City Hall in Donegall Square, Belfast. Pic: PA WirePrince Charles, Prince of Wales arrives at the Education Authority on May 18, 2021 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Pic: Getty ImagesPrince Charles, Prince of Wales arrives at the Education Authority on May 18, 2021 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Pic: Getty ImagesCamilla, Duchess Of Cornwall arrives at the Education Authority in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Pic: Getty ImagesPrince Charles, Prince of Wales unveils a plaque to commemorate the Bicentenary of the Royal Charter of Donaghadee Harbour and the laying of the harbour’s foundation stone. Pic: WireImagePrince Charles, Prince of Wales speaks to members of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution at Donaghadee Harbour. Pic: WireImageCamilla, Duchess of Cornwall meets wellwishers as she visits Bangor open air market with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales. Pic: Getty ImagesCamilla, Duchess of Cornwall speaks with a stall holder as she visits Bangor open air market with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales. Pic: Getty ImagesCamilla, Duchess of Cornwall meets young children from the central nursery school as she visits Bangor open air market with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales. Pic: Getty ImagesPrince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall meet wellwishers as they visit Bangor open air market. Pic: Getty ImagesCamilla, Duchess of Cornwall meets historians and staff at Belfast City Hall to hear about the past, present and future of Belfast and learn of the new vision for the City. Pic: WireImageCamilla, Duchess of Cornwall arrives for the visit to Bangor open air market with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales. Pic: Getty ImagesPrince Charles, Prince of Wales speaks with stall holders as he visits Bangor open air market with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Pic: Getty ImagesCamilla, Duchess of Cornwall visits Bangor open air market with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales. Pic: Getty Images
