Charles: ‘I think I’ve left it too late for Irish dancing’

The Prince of Wales has admitted being a Fred Astaire fan and toying with taking up Irish dancing after seeing a special performance on his arrival in Ireland.

Charles, 66, was so impressed by the skills of two energetic performers at the National University of Ireland Galway that he asked if his age would be a barrier to the world-renowned skill.

The Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall were welcomed to the college by dancers Miriam Lee, 22, from Lucan, Co Dublin, and John Fitzgerald, 23, from Brandon village, Co Kerry who presented them with flowers.