PRINCE Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall received a rapturous welcome from the students of Liverpool University as they met president Michael D Higgins.
Dozens of students lined crash barriers to catch a glimpse of the royal couple as they began a day of marking the city's culture, history and people by celebrating the university's Institute of Irish Studies.
One excited student reached out to give Camilla a hug when she joined her husband on a brief walkabout meeting the young people.
Moonsun Kim from Korea, who is studying supply chain management, said: "I'm so excited, I've never seen a member of the royal family before.
"I was passing and heard the prince and his wife were coming and decided to stay. I hope I wasn't wrong to give her a hug."
Soon after Charles and Camilla arrived they welcomed Mr Higgins and his wife Sabina who are midway through a three-day visit to the UK.
The event at the Victoria Gallery and Museum formally cemented the prince and president's roles as joint patrons of the Institute of Irish Studies.
