We were excited to welcome the Prince of Wales and President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins to the Victoria Gallery and Museum on campus this week, to sign a joint patronage agreement for the Insititute. Before the signing, they were happy to meet the crowds waiting outside, as well as chatting to staff, students, alumni and many more guests inside the gallery.
Poetry, music and more
After introductions from VC Janet Beer and Prof Peter Shirlow, Director of the Irish Institute, Professor Frank Shovlin, who specialises in Irish literature, read a letter written by the current focus of his research, John McGahern to one of the great names of Irish poetry, Seamus Heaney. Seamus Heaney’s daughter was in attendance.
Ahead of the official signing of the patronage documents, Katherine Parke, who is studying for an MA in Irish Studies, read the Paul Muldoon poem, 'The Language Issue' in Gaelic and English. The patrons were then treated to a performance of bluegrass music by Caitlin Gilligan.
Excitement from the crowd
As they made their way outside, excitement from the crowd bubbled over when the Prince of Wales came into view - and he paused to talk to and shake hands with more onlookers before leaving for his next appointments around the city.
Video and picture highlights!
Take a look at how the morning unfolded on social media, including pictures and video of the visit.
Hope @LivUniLibrary doesn't mind the crowds! @livuninews pic.twitter.com/9P0b5Sxihg
— Irish Studies@LivUni (@IrishInstitute) February 12, 2019
We thought today was the perfect chance to have this gown on display @VictoriaGallery - worn by Her Majesty The Queen Mother when receiving her honorary degree from @livuni pic.twitter.com/pB0432ufFj
— Irish Studies@LivUni (@IrishInstitute) February 12, 2019
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall have arrived! @livuninews pic.twitter.com/yjNamTRAB2
— Irish Studies@LivUni (@IrishInstitute) February 12, 2019
Meeting representatives from The Irish Institute - Lauren Arrington and Peter Shirlow. pic.twitter.com/j0HjGax3hg
— Irish Studies@LivUni (@IrishInstitute) February 12, 2019
#PrinceofWales @ClarenceHouse & Duchess of Cornwall @PresidentIRL @MichaelDHiggins arrive @LivUni @IrishInstitute pic.twitter.com/tNSSnfqmhy
— BBC Merseyside (@bbcmerseyside) February 12, 2019
Ensuring that everyone is refreshed for today's royal visit 🥐☕️ pic.twitter.com/TTvZZmgLil
— Irish Studies@LivUni (@IrishInstitute) February 12, 2019
Meeting students and alumni from the institute's Irish Studies programme. pic.twitter.com/9B2XAzOAw9
— Irish Studies@LivUni (@IrishInstitute) February 12, 2019
The @PresidentIRL @MichaelDHiggins meets BA student Lewis Braithwaite @LivUni @IrishInstitute pic.twitter.com/qHBCwTUbVG
— BBC Merseyside (@bbcmerseyside) February 12, 2019
...and it wouldn't be an Irish Institute event without some live music 🎶 pic.twitter.com/z8sTHKgafY
— Irish Studies@LivUni (@IrishInstitute) February 12, 2019
President Higgins and HRH The Prince of Wales become official Joint Patrons of the Institute of Irish Studies - the @IrishInstitute plays a special role promoting understanding and friendship between these islands through research & study @LivUni #EnduringFriendship pic.twitter.com/AOkYkSV4yU
— Embassy of Ireland (@IrelandEmbGB) February 12, 2019
Much excitement from the crowd as The Prince of Wales says some final goodbyes 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻 pic.twitter.com/XJtrTO0ZaV
— Irish Studies@LivUni (@IrishInstitute) February 12, 2019
Discover more
- Read more about the visit in the media release and review of the day on our news feed
- Study Irish Studies at Liverpool