Prince Andrew on NI visit

The presentations were made in two counties

The Duke of York has visited Northern Ireland to present new colours to two battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment.

Prince Andrew, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment, made the presentations at Ballymena in County Antrim and Omagh in County Tyrone.

These were the first colours awarded to the RIR since its formation in 1992.

They replaced the colours awarded when the battalions served as part of the former Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR).

The RIR evolved from a merger of The Royal Irish Rangers and the UDR.

Two sets of colours

Regiments used to carry their colours into battle where they served as a rallying point in the heat of the action.

Each infantry battalion carries a set of two, the Queen's Colour and Regimental Colour.

When on parade they are carried by a junior officer and escorted by a colour party of senior noncommissioned officers.

Colours normally serve for 20-30 years after which, as consecrated objects, they are usually placed in a cathedral or church.

Previous visit

Saturday's visit was the second time the prince has been in the province this year.

He made a one-day visit in March when he visited the premises of Ballyclare Special Products Ltd in County Antrim.

Later the Duke officially opened Castlereagh Borough Council's new Civic and Administrative Offices.

His final engagement was at Queen's University in Belfast.

Prince Andrew was the third Royal to visit the province this year.

Last week Prince Charles attended a garden party for victims of the Troubles at the secretary of state's official residence, Hillsborough Castle, during a two-day visit to Northern Ireland.

In April, the Queen visited Northern Ireland to present the George Cross to the Royal Ulster Constabulary as a tribute to the sacrifice and service of its members.