Prince Charles hoping for frequent visits to Republic of Ireland in pursuit of reconciliation

The Prince of Wales has declared his desire to personally deepen reconciliation between Britain and Ireland.
The Prince of Wales at the Duchess of Cornwall signing the visitors book in Kilkenny CastleThe Prince of Wales at the Duchess of Cornwall signing the visitors book in Kilkenny Castle
The Prince of Wales at the Duchess of Cornwall signing the visitors book in Kilkenny Castle

As Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall enjoyed their third trip to the Republic in as many years, he said he hopes to keep coming back until the day he dies.

Thousands of well-wishers lined the streets of Kilkenny as the prince addressed scores of invited guests in the Great Hall in the city's castle and spoke of the growing relations, even with Brexit on the horizon.

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MORE: Charles meets Henry the Great as hurling maestro gives him sporting lesson"Coming to Ireland gives us the opportunity, I hope, just to remind everyone of the enormous strength and warmth of the relation between our countries," Charles said.

The Prince of Wales meets the public after visiting the Cartoon Saloon in KilkennyThe Prince of Wales meets the public after visiting the Cartoon Saloon in Kilkenny
The Prince of Wales meets the public after visiting the Cartoon Saloon in Kilkenny

"It is a very special relationship and I have every intention of making it even more special if I possibly can and to also build on the most important aspect of all which is reconciliation."

Charles praised President (of Ireland) Michael D Higgins, adding he had done "so much in that regard".

Charles's itinerary on Friday includes a visit to Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin where he will pay respects to the dead of the First World War and those who died fighting for Ireland's freedom in the 1916 Easter Rising.

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Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan praised this aspect of the royal trip.

The Duchess of Cornwall looks at food stalls during he visit to Kilkenny Castle.The Duchess of Cornwall looks at food stalls during he visit to Kilkenny Castle.
The Duchess of Cornwall looks at food stalls during he visit to Kilkenny Castle.

"This act of respectful memory represents a further enhancement of relations between our two countries as close friends and neighbours, even as both seek to manage contemporary challenges in changing times," Mr Flanagan said.

The visit is part of a four-day trip to Northern Ireland and the Republic.