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Charles and Camilla tour Heaney centre as part of four-day visit

Charles and Camilla sign the visitors' book at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace
Charles and Camilla sign the visitors' book at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace

The Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla have arrived in Derry at the start of a four-day visit to Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall toured a visitor centre dedicated to the memory of late Nobel Laureate poet Seamus Heaney.

The Seamus Heaney HomePlace is a new building in the village of Bellaghy which inspired many of the famous poet's most memorable lines.

Camilla and Charles chat with Marie Heaney, wife of Seamus Heaney

The couple met the late poet's widow Marie and his children, Michael, Christopher and Catherine, during the visit.

Charles saves the crown that fell from an actor's head during a performance

The royals will undertake a range of engagements in Northern Ireland, including officially opening a memorial garden to members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland who lost their lives on duty.

They will also visit Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Derry which is part-funded by the Irish Government and serves a catchment area which includes parts of Co Donegal.

The prince has officially visited the Republic four times before, most recently in May 2016.

In 2015 the couple travelled to Mullaghmore in Co Sligo where the prince's great-uncle Lord Mountbatten and three others were killed by the IRA in 1979 as part of a trip of reconciliation.

Highlights of the royals' latest visit to Ireland will include an engagement at Kilkenny Castle, where they will see some traditional music and watch a hurling demonstration by the GAA.

Charles will also tour the United Nations Training School Ireland at the Curragh Camp, while Camilla will visit the Irish National Stud.

Both will attend ceremonies at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin to commemorate those who lost their lives in the First World War and during the Easter Rising.

President Michael D Higgins will meet the royal couple in Dublin.

The prince will also meet Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the duchess will conclude their visit by attending a reception at the British ambassador's residence.

The trip to Ireland is at the request of the British government.

A statement from Clarence House said: "This visit will showcase the strength and vitality of the connections between the United Kingdom and Ireland; and the friendship and partnership that has defined our relationship over recent years.

"The prince and duchess's programme will allow them to honour those men and women whose sacrifice in times of conflict shaped our two countries' shared history; and to celebrate all that we do together to cement peace and secure a prosperous future."

The prince is a fan of Heaney and was recorded reciting one of his poems - The Shipping Forecast - for the exhibition centre in Bellaghy which celebrates his life and work.