Charles king of castle for birthday

THE heir to the British throne jetted into Cork last night and told a welcoming party: "It's lovely to be here."

Accompanied by partner Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince Charles was immediately whisked from the airport in a motor cavalcade to Lismore, Co Waterford.

The pair will remain in Ireland until Monday and will attend today's 60th birthday celebration of a cousin, Lord Hartington, at the castle of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

Airport manager Joe O'Connor welcomed Charles and Camilla as they stepped from a private Cessna Citation, which flew in from the RAF Northolt base.

Mr O'Connor said Camilla, dressed in a tan suit with knee-high boots, was very composed while Charles thanked the flight crew and the security detail.

"He had a few words for everyone," said the airport manager who was accompanied by garda inspector John O'Brien from Togher Station.

"It's the prince's first visit to Cork Airport," said Mr O'Connor. "With over one million passengers from British airports flying into Cork every year, visits like this help to instil confidence in British tourists, some of whom might still have reservations about coming to Ireland. It's a great boost for the airport," he said.

Meanwhile, Lord Peregrine Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington and 12th Duke of Lismore-in-waiting, said he was looking forward to the birthday bash but was not at all happy at being 60.

"I don't think its something to celebrate at all, but if other people want to celebrate it, then I'm pretty relaxed about that part," he said.

In fact, Lord Hartington, deputy chairman of Sotheby's and Queen Elizabeth's representative at Ascot racecourse, isn't 60 at all today. His birthday falls on April 27 but March 20 fits the diary of all involved.

The guest list also includes Richard Branson and Andrew Lloyd-Webber. Lord Hartington said Prince Charles was staying until Monday. "I'm not exactly sure what's on his agenda but I'm sure he'll be very interested to see the different stages of the development of the castle," said his host.

He said the strong media presence was a compliment to the prince and hopefully good for Lismore.

Inside the castle today, the luminaries will mix with locals, including staff, local civic and business leaders.

One guest, chairman of Lismore Machuda Development Body Cllr Bernard Leddy said the presence of a royal visit was "priceless in promoting Lismore".