The Prince of Wales says the UK and Ireland must continue to understand how much we mean to one another.

Britain's Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall began a two-day visit to Ireland earlier today.

The Royal couple are visiting Co Wicklow celebrating peace between the two nations.

Prince Charles met students from both sides of the Border at the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation this afternoon.

It's his second visit to the centre, which works with people who have been harmed by the legacy of the troubles.

Student Marco Fusco, from Banbridge, got to tell Prince Charles about his experience of going to school in Northern Ireland.

He said: "He is very nice. He has got a real deep voice too - it kind of scared me.

"Him and Higgins were walking about, and they were good craic."

The students read Prince Charles a poem, which was later unveiled engraved onto a piece of Wicklow granite to commemorate the visit.

After his visit to the centre, he visited the Powerscourt House Hotel where he planted a Giant Redwood Tree.

Speaking at the ceremony, he said it's important for the nations to maintain a relationship.

"I love coming here," he said. "So whatever happens, the great thing is to go on understanding what we mean to each other.

"So thank you for having us here, thank you."

Photo: The Prince of Wales observes schoolchildren taking part in the Cool Planet Experience in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, on the first day of the Royal visit to Ireland.

Credit: Chris Jackson/PA Images