Princess Royal apologises after cancelling NI visits last minute

Mark SimpsonBBC News NI communities correspondent

PA Media The Princess Royal wearing a black coat and grey hat with a feather. She is smiling. — The Princess Royal had been due to attend events in Holywood and south Belfast

The Princess Royal has apologised after she was forced to cancel two engagements in Northern Ireland on Wednesday due to technical problems with the aircraft in which she was due to travel.

She was scheduled to attend events in Holywood and south Belfast.

A spokesperson said she apologised “to any who were disappointed or inconvenienced as a result of the technical issues”.

They added that she hoped “to make arrangements to visit on another occasion”.

It is understood some of the people the Princess Royal had been scheduled to meet were subsequently invited to a garden party at Hillsborough Castle, held later on Wednesday.

The Princess Royal was attending the annual garden party at Hillsborough Castle

PA Media The Princess Royal stands beside NI Secretary Hilary Benn and others outside Hillsbrough Castle. — The Princess Royal was attending the annual garden party at Hillsborough Castle

At the garden party, a 106-year-old war veteran from Coleraine received a British Empire Medal from the Princess Royal.

Norman Irwin is believed to be the oldest man in Northern Ireland.

With him at the presentation were family members including his 78-year-old son David and grandson Chris, 44.

After presenting him with the medal, the Princess Royal asked Norman if he would be celebrating later with a drink.

“Bushmills,” he replied.

“Really? I never would have guessed,” she replied jokingly.

Norman told the Princess Royal he would celebrate with a whiskey

PA Media The Princess Royal wearing a black coat and grey hat inside a room in Hillsborough Castle. She has a bag over her shoulder. She is speaking to Norman Irwin, who is in a grey suit. He is standing, with his wheelchair behind him. He has a medal in his pocket. There are gold-framed photos on the walls and a large fireplace. Four people are standing round the edge of the room, smiling. — Norman told the Princess Royal he would celebrate with a whiskey

Although he uses a wheelchair, Norman insisted on standing up after he received the medal.

He was awarded it in the most recent King’s Birthday Honours list for a range of voluntary work in his home town in County Londonderry, including at a cross-community club for retirees.

Norman was a factory apprentice when World War Two broke out.

He joined the Army and was deployed to Egypt to protect the Suez Canal from German attack.

He was just 20.

Fiona and Carrie brought a framed photo of Matthew, who died last month after being diagnosed with cancer

Fiona and Carrie stand at Hillsborough Castle. Fiona wears a blue dress and Carrie wears a black dress with white polkadots. There are chairs around them on the grass. Hillsborough Castle is in the distance. — Fiona and Carrie brought a framed photo of Matthew, who died last month after being diagnosed with cancer

Also among the hundreds of people at the garden party were the wife and mother of teacher Matthew Starkey, 32, who died last month after being diagnosed with cancer.

He had been invited to the event but the invitation arrived after he had passed away.

Matthew taught at St Colman’s College in Ballynahinch.

His mother Fiona and wife Carrie brought a framed picture of him with them to the garden party.

Fiona said: “It means the world to be here and to be able to bring his photo and celebrate his fundraising achievements which we will continue.”

Carrie said: “We are honoured to be here and honoured that his efforts are being recognised and acknowledged.”

‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’

‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.bbc.com ’