At the internationally renowned Corymeela Centre near Ballycastle, Co Antrim, the Prince told staff how delighted he was to be in Northern Ireland and to "smell peat smoke in the air".

He also paid tribute to the peace and reconciliation projects pursued at the centre over the past 30 years.

"All of you have played an extraordinarily important role in bringing all people together and opening their hearts to a new way of living together in peace," he said.

The next stop was Ashdale Farm in Co Antrim where the Prince had lunch with owner David Wallace, who was named Farmer of the Year. He also braved the mud to go on a short tour of the beef farm.

Then it was off to New Forge RUC club, where he chatted with police men and women and met some of the victims of violence in the province.

Rapturous reception

Later he received a rapturous reception as he arrived at the Carew childcare centre in the staunchly Protestant Newtownards Road in east Belfast.

Security was tight for the visit with police marksmen standing on the roofs of nearby buildings.

The Prince chatted for 15 minutes with children and carers in the centre and then went on a walkabout among the crowds gathered outside who chanted: "We love you, Charlie."

He was also due to have dinner on Tuesday with Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam at Hillsborough Castle, where on Wednesday he will be guest of honour at the annual garden party.

The event has caused controversy because of Dr Mowlam's decision to invite Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness. But the Sinn Fein MPs have declined the offer and will not be there.