They're starting a three day visit to the Republic of Ireland today, though details of their itinerary seem sparse.

Charles has been there before many times, officially and unofficially - and is having dinner tonight with the President and his wife.

Brexit, no doubt, will be discussed - as the UK is Ireland's biggest trading partner, and the relevant terms highly significant to the Republic.

Today the Cornwalls will vist Kilkenny Castle - and the nearby picturesque village of Thomastown, on the River Nore.

Many in Ireland wonder why they're going to this obscure location - and there are no clues in the media.

However, in 1825, William Dowling was born in Thomastown - and was a recipient of the Victoria Cross for heroism during the Indian Mutiny.

The medal is displayed at the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry Museum in Bodmin, Cornwall - and Sgt Dowling is buried in Liverpool.


Could this - I wonder - be the reason for going to this quiet rural backwash?