Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde and several police officers greeted the royal visitors, while First Minister Ian Paisley and his wife Baroness Paisley, and former Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan and her husband Declan were also among guests.

A bugler welcomed the royal couple followed by the band of the Fire and Rescue Service giving a rendition of the national anthem. Prince Charles and Camilla planted a pine tree to commemorate the visit and then went separately through the guests, engaging with dozens upon dozens for several hours.

Wilma Taylor and Lorraine McCormac from Belfast, both self-confessed "royal fans" met Prince Charles.

"He was talking to us about the weather and said most times he came to Northern Ireland it was either hot or cold – and he said we were looking cold," said Mrs McCormac, whose husband, a standard bearer for the RUC George Cross Association, was also present.

Jim McDonald, chairman of the association, who was with them, said attending the party was a great way to reward the many volunteers who work for the organisation.

Joanne Sansome from Crumlin also met the prince.

"I live in housing provided by Leonard Cheshire Disability organisation, which is supported housing for the disabled," she said.

"He was asking me about the organisation as the Queen is the patron.

"Both he and Camilla were very, very nice.

"Camilla was also talking to us about Leonard Cheshire because her grandfather was heavily involved in it."

Melanie Patterson from the Mourne Stimulus Day Centre in Kilkeel brought along members of the group who had recently climbed Ben Nevis.

"Prince Charles said 'well done' to them and that it was quite an achievement. He also said he hoped we didn't do it in the mist," she said.

Sam and Sandra Palmer and Angus and Jean Carson, all from the Ards peninsula, were also pleased to meet the prince.

"He asked us what we work at and how many minutes we had to travel to get here," said Mr Palmer.

Mr Carson, a councillor from Ards Borough Council, said the authority was proud to be soon bestowing the freedom of the borough on the RAF, of which the prince is Air Chief Marshall.