Prince Philip flew in to the province for a special one-day visit to meet and greet 50 participants in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

His visit coincided with the enthronement yesterday of the new Church of Ireland Primate, Dr Alan Harper.

The prince was greeted upon his arrival at Hillsborough Castle by the Lord Lieutenant of Co Down, William Hall.

He then chatted to award recipients, who told him of their activities on the programme. These included working in an African orphanage and coaching children's sport.

Proud parents and family members, many of them past award recipients themselves, looked on as their children received certificates from Ulster rugby star Tyrone Howe.

He said: " This was quite a unique occasion. It's a fantastic opportunity to come here and take part in a great ceremony for great achievements.

"It takes a huge amount of effort to come through the programme and get something tangible at the end."

Certificates were also presented by former gold award winner Neil Elliott from Ballinamallard, who last year climbed Mount Everest.

Mr Elliott showed the prince the flag he and his team had flown at the summit.

Mr Elliott said: " I feel so strongly about the award and how it can help young people and make good citizens. It teaches young people things for life; it gets you organised.

"It's great to see young people doing the award and it's nice to be here to give something back, as well."

Among the parents at the ceremony was George Taggart from east Belfast, whose daughter, Andrea, received a certificate. He told the prince he, too, had received the gold award at Buckingham Palace in 1977.

He said: " I have very good memories of the scheme. It's very worthwhile and very challenging. This has been a very rewarding and satisfying day for the whole family."

The prince attended a private lunch in Belfast before continuing to St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh for the archbishop's enthronement.