THE Queen’s youngest son, Prince Edward, paid a flying visit to Fermanagh at the weekend when he presented Duke of Edinburgh Silver Awards to young people from the Western Education Board area.

The Prince flew to Ely Lodge on Saturday afternoon where parents and officials had gathered close to the banks of Lower Lough Erne, unaware of who would be carrying out the presentation.

News that Prince Edward was already in the province helped to spark speculation that he may travel to the county for the ceremony because of his connections with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

The Prince was behind schedule and was quickly ushered down to the lake’s edge where guests were being entertained by six teams of young people competing in watersports.

He stopped to talk to some of the teams, including a group who are taking part in the Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race next month.

Prince Edward was then invited to present 95 young people, including seven from Fermanagh, with certificates for the Silver Award. For the award the participant has to undertake a range of activities from community service and conservation work to expeditions to encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery.

After the ceremony, Prince Edward was presented with a Belleek pottery clock.