Prince Charles was the special guest at Larne Town Hall in June, where he attended a reception to meet with local members of the farming community who had been affected by the severe snow earlier this year. To mark his historic visit, Larne Council presented the Duke of Cambridge with a painting of the Black Arch on the Coast Road by renowned local artist, Sam McLarnon. And, in a letter addressed to Larne Mayor Maureen Morrow from the Prince’s private secretary Jonathan Hellewell, HRH said he was “deeply touched” by the gift. The letter stated: “I am writing on behalf of the Prince of Wales to thank you very much indeed for the beautiful painting of the Antrim Coast. “It was so kind of you to give His Royal Highness such a wonderful memento of his most enjoyable visit to County Antrim, and the Prince would like you to know that he was deeply touched by your thoughtfulness. “This comes with His Royal Highness’s grateful thanks and warmest good wishes.” A second letter, addressed to chief executive of Larne Council, Geraldine McGahey, expressed the Prince’s “deepest thanks”. Mr Hellewell said: “I am most grateful to you and your colleagues for helping to ensure the reception ran so smoothly and was, I believe, extremely successful. “I know that HRH greatly enjoyed meeting members of the farming community and agencies, and personally I was very touched by your gift of such delicious shortbread.”