Prince Charles has touched down in Belfast to start his three-day tour of Northern Ireland. The future King was unaccompanied by his wife the Duchess of Cornwall as she is due to arrive in the country on Tuesday.
Charles headed to his first engagement of the day – a visit to Queen's University Belfast. He was greeted by First Minister Arlene Foster as he officially launched the university's Global Research Institute.
The institute is home to the Centre for Secure Information Technologies, which carries out pioneering work on cyber security. Earlier this year Charles awarded the centre with a special Queen's anniversary prize and he was no doubt keen to learn more about the facility's work.
© Photo: PAPrince Charles's first engagement took place at Queen's University Belfast
When Camilla arrives to accompany him on tour, the couple will carry out a series of joint engagements. A highlight will be hosting a musical evening at Hillsborough Castle on Tuesday, which will be coupled with a performance by comedian Tim McGarry.
Charles, 67, and Camilla, 68, will also visit a number of successful local businesses, some of which work in the food and drink sector, as 2016 is the Northern Irish Year of Food and Drink. Food and drink is the country's single biggest industry.
On Wednesday the royals will travel to County Donegal where they will visit Magee's – a local company which has been producing tweed in Donegal for 150 years.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe couple last visited Northern Ireland in May 2015
Charles will then head to the Letterkenny Institute of Technology where he will meet local entrepreneurs and learn more about the institute's cross border programmes, while Camilla will visit a local school.
Finally, at Glenveagh Castle, the royal couple will tour the gardens and meet children who have been learning about some of the conservation work which takes place in the National Park.
This is Charles and Camilla's third official visit to Northern Ireland and came at the request of the government. It follows their visits in May 2015 and April 2014 and recognises the warm friendship that exists between both countries.
