The then-Prince Charles with Peter Phillips and Princess Anne aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in 1997. Photograph: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty ImagesPlans by then-Prince Charles to visit Ireland in 1996 a year after his first official visit to Ireland provoked mounting exasperation within Irish government circles as the “opulence” of the trip grew. However, newly released documents paint a different picture, with Dublin becoming increasingly concerned about an ever-expanding itinerary – including the prince’s desire to bring the Royal Yacht into Galway Bay and Cork Harbour. He would, she said, “like to arrive in Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia” and to put ashore in Galway Bay” on Friday, June 28th, before looking at “farming, countryside and environmental matters” locally. [ King Charles has ‘profound’ personal connection with IrelandOpens in new window ]“I think the symbolism of the Royal Yacht coming into Galway Bay is not good.

Source: The Irish Times December 29, 2025 13:32 UTC