There was no sign of His Royal Highness Prince William Arthur Philip Louis, Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn, Baron Carrickfergus, Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter – or his wife Kate – when I arrived in the Barony of Carrickfergus around 7.45 am this morning for breakfast.
The Baron’s castle was resplendent in the morning sunshine but there was no sign of the Baron; the royal helicopter must have gone elsewhere. Besides the castle was not my venue for breakfast.
Not surprisingly there was local comment on the new Baron and Baroness…
Ruth Wilson, seeking a seat in the NI Assembly for the Traditional Unionist Voice, was full of welcome – and loaded with politics:
I greatly welcome the news that Prince William and his wife are to assume the titles of Baron and Baroness of Carrickfergus.
The people of Carrickfergus, East Antrim and indeed the whole of Northern Ireland will welcome this reminder that in spite of continued attacks upon the constitutional position of Northern Ireland Prince William will one day become King of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Of course it is particularly fitting that a future King William should take the title Baron of Carrickfergus as it was at Carrickfergus that William of Orange landed on 14th June 1690 before travelling south to the Boyne where he won his famous victory for the civil and religious liberties which we still enjoy today.
I popped down to the harbour where William of Orange was making no comment.
Roy Beggs, UUP East Antrim Assembly candidate also referred to history but avoided the party political broadcast:
Given our local history, the Baron of Carrickfergus is a very appropriate title to be granted to Prince William on this his Wedding day. I hope that it will not be too long before Prince William, Baron Carrickfergus and his bride will visit East Antrim and view our Norman Castle and the spectacular Antrim Coast Road for themselves. Prince William and the Baroness Carrickfergus can be assured of a very warm local welcome.
And my breakfast?
I enjoyed a good Ulster Fry at the Coast Road Hotel after speaking about Wycliffe and Bible translation at the Carrick Men’s (and this morning, Women’s) Breakfast group from Joymount Presbyterian Church.
Leave a Reply