Prince Andrew on NI visit

Duke met First Minister David Trimble

The Duke of York has unveiled a plaque in County Down during his last engagement of his one-day visit to Northern Ireland.

Prince Andrew unveiled the plaque at Killyleagh's redeveloped Sloane Square on Tuesday afternoon.

He was also introduced to members of the town's development association and funders of the regeneration project.

The Duke of York was welcomed by Mr William J Hall, Lord-Lieutenant of County Down, DUP MP Iris Robinson, Nick Lindsay, Sheriff for County Down and Nigel Dodds MP.

Prince Andrew is carrying out a number of engagements

The prince's first engagement on Tuesday was at Islandmagee in County Antrim.

He unveiled a plaque to commemorate the opening of the Moyle Interconnector, a Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) project which links Northern Ireland and Scottish electricity grids.

On arrival, the prince was met by Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble.

Also attending the event were Lord O'Neill, the Lord - Lieutenant of County Antrim; Michael Cooke, Sheriff for County Antrim; Larne Mayor David Fleck, East Antrim MP Roy Beggs and Enterprise Minister Sir Reg Empey.

New colours

During the tour, His Royal Highness was given a short presentation on the interconnector link.

Prince Andrew signed the visitors' book and toured the switch yard before being invited to unveil a plaque to commemorate the opening of the Moyle Interconnector.

In recent years, the Duke of York has made a number of visits to the province.

Last June, he presented new colours to three battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment (RIR) in Northern Ireland.

In March 2000, the prince carried out a number of engagements during a one-day visit to the province.

The prince's latest trip comes ahead of the Queen's planned visit to Northern Ireland next month as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The Queen is due to arrive in Northern Ireland on 13 May for a three-day visit, when she will be accompanied by her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.