Royal Visit to the ICC

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visited the ICC on Tuesday 15th March to celebrate the Centre’s 25 year anniversary as the prime venue for Irish Arts and Culture in London and the UK.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall were received by the Chairman of the Irish Cultural Centre, Mr. Peter Power-Hynes and ICC Culture Director, Ms Rosalind Scanlon, and were informed of the history of the Centre. They were then greeted by Ambassador of Ireland to the United Kingdom, Mr. Adrian O’Neill.

Irish Paintings

In the foyer, The Prince and The Duchess viewed a selection paintings by Irish artist Bernard Canavan, which had been newly commissioned by the Centre. These honoured the work of Irish nursing staff in the NHS. The Prince and The Duchess were also introduced to a slection of contemporary Irish art by the Centre’s Curator, Barbara Stanley.

ICC Board, staff and volunteers

Their Royal Highnesses were then introduced to Directors of the ICC Board, ICC staff and volunteers. This was followed by a tour of the facilities and meetings with groups that use and are connected to the ICC.

Traditional Music Session

Their Royal Highnesses attended a traditional Irish music session from ICC community musicians of all ages and musical disciplines, before being invited to learn to play the bodhran and join in.

ICC Community Groups - Knitters and Singers

Upstairs, Their Royal Highnesses attended a singing class and visited the ICC knitting group, both of which form part of the centre’s outreach programme. They were also introduced to the ICC Library.

Meeting ICC Community Organisations and Irish NHS Nurses

Their Royal Highnesses concluded the visit by joining a reception in the main hall with volunteers and supporters of the ICC, including a group of Irish nurses.

Irish Dancing

Finally, The Prince and The Duchess viewed a performance of Irish dancing from Ceimore School of Dance.

Plaque Unveiling

HRH then unveiled a plaque to mark the 25th anniversary of the Centre.