Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald met Prince Charles in Cork last night just hours after he spoke of how reconciliation and understanding can guide both countries on a path of shared prosperity and security.

The Prince of Wales will mark Ireland's involvement in humanitarian peace missions around the world when he visits a training centre later.

The Prince of Wales has arrived in the North at the start of a four-day visit to both parts of the island.

The Prince of Wales tomorrow begins an emotional trip to the west of Ireland where his great uncle Lord Louis Mountbatten was assassinated by the IRA.

Britain's Prince Charles is to make a return visit to Ireland.