Britain Queen Elizabeth II...Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, right, and her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, centre with back to camera, are greeted on their arrival at London Airort, on Feb. 7, 1952. The royal couple cut short their official trip to Kenya and returned home following the death of King George VI. Prince Philip is talking to Earl Mountbatten of Burma, left. (AP Photo)...A

14th March 1956: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (1889 - 1964) and Dr Radhakrishnan (1888 - 1975) welcoming Viscount Louis Mountbatten (1900 - 1979) and his wife to India at New Delhi Airport. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

11th May 1937: Lord Louis Mountbatten chats to a spectator at a polo match at Hurlingham. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)

PACEMAKER PRESS INTL BELFAST 26/8/09. A Collect of Paul Maxwell,It was the last ever picture taken of him who was murdered with Lord Louis Mountbatten by an IRA bomb while sailing near his holiday home in County Sligo, Ireland, on 27th August, 1979

Library filer from 1965 of Earl Mountbatten of Burma. The Irish Government rejected an offer from Lord Mountbatten for the free use of his castle in County Sligo, according to newly-released files. The former Earl of Burma, who was killed by an IRA bomb in 1979, had inherited Classiebawn Castle after the death of his wife. He wrote to the Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave in March 1975 to offer the castle to the state as a gesture to cement his family's close connection with Ireland.

Library filer dated 16/07/1959 of Lord Louis Mountbatten, who was a key figure in the partition of India and Pakistan.

Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh...RCO 244-43 (23327-02) Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh Obligatory Credit - CAMERA PRESS/ Arthur Edwards Pictured in 1977 at a polo match at Windsor; Prince Charles (L), and Lord Mountbatten (C), with Prince Philip (R).

Lady Edwina Mountbatten (1901 - 1960) with Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru (1889 - 1964) at a reception given for him by the Indian High Commissioner in London at Kensington Palace Gardens, 11th February 1955. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

File photo dated 20/11/1947 Princess Elizabeth, now Queen, and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, now the Duke of Edinburgh with their eight bridesmaids in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, on their wedding day. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.

In this file photo taken in August 1947 and released by Indian Ministry of Defense, Indian last Governor General Lord Mountbatten salutes the Indian national flag hosted at India Gate as Lady Edwina, second right, and India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru,right, looks on, during independence day celebrations, in New Delhi, India, August 1947. Sixty years ago this month, India and Pakistan won their Independence, now Pakistan, no stranger to domestic turmoil, is embroiled in an increasingly violent struggle between Islamic extremists and moderates, where as India is racing to become an economic powerhouse, lightning growth has transformed the country and fueled a consumer boom. (AP Photo/Indian Ministry of Defense, HO, File)

Paul was killed aged 15 in the IRA blast which claimed the life of Earl Mountbatten in 1979

Police frogmen at the scene of the murders of Lord Mountbatten and others in 1979

Timothy Knatchbull is taken into an ambulance after the IRA bomb attack in 1979 which killed his uncle Lord Mountbatten

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams (right) at the National University of Ireland, Galway where he will meet The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall at a welcome reception.

Prince Charles, Prince Of Wales arrives at the National University of Ireland on May 19, 2015 in Galway, Ireland. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Ireland today for their four day visit to the Republic and Northern Ireland, the visit has been described by the British Embassy as another important step in promoting peace and reconciliation. (Photo by Darren Staples - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams speaks to the media as he arrives at the National University of Ireland on May 19, 2015 in Galway, Ireland. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Ireland today for their four day visit to the Republic and Northern Ireland, the visit has been described by the British Embassy as another important step in promoting peace and reconciliation. (Photo by Darren Staples - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, arrives at the National University of Ireland on May 19, 2015 in Galway, Ireland. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Ireland today for their four day visit to the Republic and Northern Ireland, the visit has been described by the British Embassy as another important step in promoting peace and reconciliation. (Photo by Darren Staples - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The Prince is of Wales (left) is greeted on his arrival at Shannon airport by Cllr Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council (2nd left)) and British Ambassador to Ireland, Dominick Chilcott and Jane Chilcott at the start of his 4 day visit to Ireland.

The Prince is of Wales (centre) is greeted on his arrival at Shannon airport by Rose Hynes, Chairman Shannon Airport Authority (left) and Pat Breen TD, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs at the start of his 4 day visit to Ireland.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrive at the National University of Ireland in Galway, Ireland, where he is to meet Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams in a historic encounter.

The Prince of Wales (left) shakes hands with Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams at the National University of Ireland in Galway, Ireland.

Prince Charles, Prince Of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall watch an Irish dancing performance along with Tanaiste Joan Burton (in pink) and Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht (L) at a welcome reception at National University of Ireland on May 19, 2015 in Galway (Photo by Brian Lawless - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

GALWAY, IRELAND - MAY 19: Prince Charles, Prince Of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall plant an oak tree at a welcome reception at National University of Ireland on May 19, 2015 in Galway, Ireland. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Ireland today for their four day visit to the Republic and Northern Ireland, the visit has been described by the British Embassy as another important step in promoting peace and reconciliation. (Photo by Brian Lawless - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

GALWAY, IRELAND - MAY 19: Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Prince Charles, Prince Of Wales visit the Marine Institute on May 19, 2015 in Galway, Ireland. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Ireland today for their four day visit to the Republic and Northern Ireland, the visit has been described by the British Embassy as another important step in promoting peace and reconciliation. (Photo by Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The Prince of Wales meets meets Gwen Carroll from Cork at the Marine Institute in Galway, on day one of a four day visit to Ireland with the Duchess of Cornwall. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 19, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales at the Marine Institute in Galway, on day one of a four day visit to Ireland with the Duchess of Cornwall. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 19, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire

PACEMAKER PRESS INTL BELFAST 26/8/09. A Collect of Paul Maxwell with his sister Lisa , who was murdered with Lord Louis Mountbatten by an IRA bomb while sailing near his holiday home in County Sligo, Ireland, on 27th August, 1979

Taoiseach Enda Kenny (left) presents the Prince of Wales (right) with a limited edition commemorative medal in honour of John Philip Holland, Irish inventor of the modern submarine, at the Marine Institute in Galway, on day one of a four day visit to Ireland with the Duchess of Cornwall. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 19, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire

Taoiseach Enda Kenny (centre) with the Prince of Wales (left) at the Marine Institute in Galway, on day one of a four day visit to Ireland with the Duchess of Cornwall. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 19, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales who was presented with a 330milion year old fossil from near Mulaghmore by Prof Andy Wheeler, at the Marine Institute in Galwa, on day one of a four day visit to Ireland with the Duchess of Cornwall. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 19, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales at the Marine Institute in Galway, on day one of a four day visit to Ireland with the Duchess of Cornwall. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 19, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire

Taoiseach Enda Kenny (centre) with the Prince of Wales (left) at the Marine Institute in Galway, on day one of a four day visit to Ireland with the Duchess of Cornwall. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 19, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales at the Marine Institute in Galway, on day one of a four day visit to Ireland with the Duchess of Cornwall. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 19, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire

Taoiseach Enda Kenny (left) with the Prince of Wales (right) at the Marine Institute in Galway, on day one of a four day visit to Ireland with the Duchess of Cornwall Photo credit: Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire

THE BURREN, IRELAND - MAY 19: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales is given a talk on farming by local farmer Pat Nagle during his visit to The Burren, an ancient and dramatic stony outcrop famed for its rare plant life, biodiversity and archaeology, on the first day of his Royal visit to the Republic of Ireland on May 19, 2015 in County Clare, Ireland. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Ireland today for their four day visit to the Republic and Northern Ireland, the visit has been described by the British Embassy as another important step in promoting peace and reconciliation. (Photo by John Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

THE BURREN, IRELAND - MAY 19: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales is helped up a short climb by Brigid Barry and Brendan Dunford during his visit to The Burren, an ancient and dramatic stony outcrop famed for its rare plant life, biodiversity and archaeology, on the first day of his Royal visit to the Republic of Ireland on May 19, 2015 in County Clare, Ireland. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Ireland today for their four day visit to the Republic and Northern Ireland, the visit has been described by the British Embassy as another important step in promoting peace and reconciliation. (Photo by John Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

THE BURREN, IRELAND - MAY 19: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales shakes hands with local farmer Oliver Nagle with his father Pat (R) looking on during his visit to The Burren, an ancient and dramatic stony outcrop famed for its rare plant life, biodiversity and archaeology, on the first day of his Royal visit to the Republic of Ireland on May 19, 2015 in County Clare, Ireland. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Ireland today for their four day visit to the Republic and Northern Ireland, the visit has been described by the British Embassy as another important step in promoting peace and reconciliation. (Photo by John Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Mcc0062419 ??Eddie Mulholland eddie_mulholland@hotmail.com 07831257107 The Prince of Wales visiting the Burren, Galway to explore it's rare landscape and to learn about the challenges facing it's farming community. He met students and conservation volunteers, watched local children playing traditional music and was presented with a hamper of local produce. PIC: HRH with Brendan Dunford manager of Burren Life and Bridgid Barry Burrenbeo

THE BURREN, IRELAND - MAY 19: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales with Brendan Dunford manager of Burren Life and Bridgid Barry Burrenbeo during his visit to The Burren, an ancient and dramatic stony outcrop famed for its rare plant life, biodiversity and archaeology, on the first day of his Royal visit to the Republic of Ireland on May 19, 2015 in County Clare, Ireland. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Ireland today for their four day visit to the Republic and Northern Ireland, the visit has been described by the British Embassy as another important step in promoting peace and reconciliation. (Photo by Eddie Mulholland - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visits the Taste of the Wild Atlantic Way Food Festival at the House Hotel in Galway, west Ireland on May 19, 2015. Prince Charles became the first British royal to meet Irish republican leader Gerry Adams, on a visit that will take him to the scene of his great-uncle's murder by the IRA. AFP PHOTO / POOL / JEFF J MITCHELLJEFF J MITCHELL/AFP/Getty Images

Prince Charles shakes hands with Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams at the National University of Ireland on May 19, 2015 in Galway (Photo by Brian Lawless - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall samples a cocktail, called "The Duchess" as she visits the Taste of the Wild Atlantic Way Food Festival at the House Hotel in Galway, west Ireland on May 19, 2015. Prince Charles became the first British royal to meet Irish republican leader Gerry Adams, on a visit that will take him to the scene of his great-uncle's murder by the IRA. AFP PHOTO / POOL / JEFF J MITCHELLJEFF J MITCHELL/AFP/Getty Images

Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (C) walks with BurrenBeo Trust Project Manager Brendan Dunford, (R) and Trust Coordinator Brigid Barry during his visit to the Burren, a vast area of limestone rock, at Burren National Park in west Ireland, on May 19, 2015. Prince Charles on Tuesday became the first British royal to meet Irish republican leader Gerry Adams, on a visit that will take him to the scene of his great-uncle's murder by the IRA. AFP PHOTO / POOL / JOHN STILLWELLJOHN STILLWELL/AFP/Getty Images

Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (L) and BurrenBeo Trust Project Manager Brendan Dunford (C) examine the flora during his visit to the Burren, a vast area of limestone rock, at Burren National Park in west Ireland, on May 19, 2015. Prince Charles on Tuesday became the first British royal to meet Irish republican leader Gerry Adams, on a visit that will take him to the scene of his great-uncle's murder by the IRA. AFP PHOTO / POOL / JOHN STILLWELLJOHN STILLWELL/AFP/Getty Images

The Prince of Wales as he helps build a dry stone wall during his visit to the Burren in County Clare, an ancient and dramatic stony outcrop famed for its rare plant life, biodiversity and archaeology on on the first day of his Royal visit to the Republic of Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 19, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire

Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (C) listens as farmer Pat Nagle talks during his visit to the Burren National Park in west Ireland, on May 19, 2015. Prince Charles on Tuesday became the first British royal to meet Irish republican leader Gerry Adams, on a visit that will take him to the scene of his great-uncle's murder by the IRA. AFP PHOTO / POOL / JOHN STILLWELLJOHN STILLWELL/AFP/Getty Images

SLIGO, IRLEAND - MAY 20: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales talking to Bethany McLoughlin who was part of a choir that sang during a peace and reconciliation prayer service at St. Columba's Church in Drumcliffe on the second day of a four day visit to Ireland on May 20, 2015 in Sligo, Ireland. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Ireland yesterday for their four day visit to the Republic and Northern Ireland, the visit has been described by the British Embassy as another important step in promoting peace and reconciliation. (Photo by Brian Lawless - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

SLIGO, IRLEAND - MAY 20: Prince Charle, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend a ceremony to plant a London Oak tree after a service of peace and reconciliation at St. Columba's Church in Drumcliffe on the second day of a four day visit to Ireland on May 20, 2015 in Sligo, Ireland. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Ireland yesterday for their four day visit to the Republic and Northern Ireland, the visit has been described by the British Embassy as another important step in promoting peace and reconciliation. (Photo by Brian Lawless - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

SLIGO, IRLEAND - MAY 20: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales leaves after attending a peace and reconciliation prayer service at St. Columba's Church in Drumcliffe on the second day of a four day visit to Ireland on May 20, 2015 in Sligo, Ireland. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Ireland yesterday for their four day visit to the Republic and Northern Ireland, the visit has been described by the British Embassy as another important step in promoting peace and reconciliation. (Photo by Brian Lawless - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

SLIGO, IRELAND - MAY 20: (L-R) The Very Rev. Arfon Williams, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, Martin McAleese, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan attend a tree planting ceremony after a service of peace and reconciliation at St. Columba's Church in Drumcliffe on the second day of a four day visit to Ireland on May 20, 2015 in Sligo, Ireland. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Ireland yesterday for their four day visit to the Republic and Northern Ireland, the visit has been described by the British Embassy as another important step in promoting peace and reconciliation. (Photo by Brian Lawless - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

A peace and reconciliation prayer service at St. Columba's Church in Drumcliffe attended by the The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall on day two of a four day visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 20, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Colm Mahady/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales (centre) and the Duchess of Cornwall (left) attends a peace and reconciliation prayer service at St. Columba's Church in Drumcliffe on day two of a four day visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 20, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Colm Mahady/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales (centre) and Duchess of Cornwall (left) meet Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese (centre right) and her husband Martin (behind) as they attend a peace and reconciliation prayer service at St. Columba's Church in Drumcliffe on day two of a four day visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 20, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Colm Mahady/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales (right) talking to Bethany McLoughlin who was part of a choir that sang during a peace and reconciliation prayer service at St. Columba's Church in Drumcliffe on the second day of a four day visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 20, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during a prayer following planting a London Oak after a service of peace and reconciliation at St. Columba's Church in Drumcliffe on the second day of a four day visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 20, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales (centre) and the Very Rev. Arfon Williams at the grave of WB Yeats after attending a peace and reconciliation prayer service at St. Columba's Church in Drumcliffe on day two of a four day visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 20, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Colm Mahady/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall (centre) and Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese and her husband Martin (behind) after a peace and reconciliation prayer service at St. Columba's Church in Drumcliffe on day two of a four day visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 20, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Colm Mahady/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales (2nd left) and The Duchess of Cornwall (3rd left) at the grave of WB Yeats after attending a peace and reconciliation prayer service at St. Columba's Church in Drumcliffe on day two of a four day visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 20, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Colm Mahady/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall receive a painting after a service of peace and reconciliation at St. Columba's Church in Drumcliffe on the second day of a four day visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 20, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall after a service of peace and reconciliation at St. Columba's Church in Drumcliffe on the second day of a four day visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 20, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The Duchess of Cornwall with owners Constance Cassidy (left) and Eddie Walsh during a visit to Lissadell House, Sligo - W.B.Yeats summer house - on day two of a four day visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 20, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall attend the Sligo Races at Sligo Racecourse on day two of a four day visit to Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday May 20, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (L) and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (R) visit the harbour in the village of Mullaghmore in Ireland on May 20, 2015 where the prince's great-uncle Lord Mountbatten was killed in an IRA explosion in 1979. Britain's Prince Charles spoke of his "anguish" at the murder of his godfather by IRA paramilitaries in 1979 as he became the first royal to visit the assassination site in Ireland. Charles remembered Lord Louis Mountbatten as "the grandfather I never had" on an emotional trip to the rugged coastline, saying he understood the suffering of the Irish people in "a profound way". Peter McHugh helped with the rescue effort in the aftermath of the 1979 attack. AFP PHOTO / POOL / ARTHUR EDWARDSARTHUR EDWARDS/AFP/Getty Images

Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales visits the harbour in the village of Mullaghmore in Ireland on May 20, 2015 where the prince's great-uncle Lord Mountbatten was killed in an IRA explosion in 1979. Britain's Prince Charles spoke of his "anguish" at the murder of his godfather by IRA paramilitaries in 1979 as he became the first royal to visit the assassination site in Ireland. Charles remembered Lord Louis Mountbatten as "the grandfather I never had" on an emotional trip to the rugged coastline, saying he understood the suffering of the Irish people in "a profound way". Peter McHugh helped with the rescue effort in the aftermath of the 1979 attack. AFP PHOTO / POOL / ARTHUR EDWARDSARTHUR EDWARDS/AFP/Getty Images

Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (L) and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (R) visit the harbour in the village of Mullaghmore in Ireland on May 20, 2015 where the prince's great-uncle Lord Mountbatten was killed in an IRA explosion in 1979. Britain's Prince Charles spoke of his "anguish" at the murder of his godfather by IRA paramilitaries in 1979 as he became the first royal to visit the assassination site in Ireland. Charles remembered Lord Louis Mountbatten as "the grandfather I never had" on an emotional trip to the rugged coastline, saying he understood the suffering of the Irish people in "a profound way". Peter McHugh helped with the rescue effort in the aftermath of the 1979 attack. AFP PHOTO / POOL / ARTHUR EDWARDSARTHUR EDWARDS/AFP/Getty Images

Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (L) and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (R) hold a photograph of the boat Shadow V, the boat on which the prince's great-uncle Lord Mountbatten was killed in an IRA bombing in 1979, presented to the prince by Pat Markeyira during a visit to the village of Mullaghmore in Ireland on May 20, 2015 the scene of the 1979 bomb. Britain's Prince Charles spoke of his "anguish" at the murder of his godfather by IRA paramilitaries in 1979 as he became the first royal to visit the assassination site in Ireland. Charles remembered Lord Louis Mountbatten as "the grandfather I never had" on an emotional trip to the rugged coastline, saying he understood the suffering of the Irish people in "a profound way". Peter McHugh helped with the rescue effort in the aftermath of the 1979 attack. AFP PHOTO / POOL / ARTHUR EDWARDSARTHUR EDWARDS/AFP/Getty Images

Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (L) reads a letter from his great-uncle Lord Mountbatten shown to him by Daithi O'Dowd during a visit to the village of Mullaghmore in Ireland on May 20, 2015 where Lord Mountbatten was killed in an Ire bombing in 1979. Britain's Prince Charles spoke of his "anguish" at the murder of his godfather by IRA paramilitaries in 1979 as he became the first royal to visit the assassination site in Ireland. Charles remembered Lord Louis Mountbatten as "the grandfather I never had" on an emotional trip to the rugged coastline, saying he understood the suffering of the Irish people in "a profound way". Peter McHugh helped with the rescue effort in the aftermath of the 1979 attack. AFP PHOTO / POOL / ARTHUR EDWARDSARTHUR EDWARDS/AFP/Getty Images

Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (L) and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (R) visit the harbour in the village of Mullaghmore in Ireland on May 20, 2015 where the prince's great-uncle Lord Mountbatten was killed in an IRA explosion in 1979.

Prince Charles is greeted by First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness St Patrick's Catholic Church on Donegal Street in Belfast City Centre as part of his trip to Ireland both North and South. The church has been the focus of Orange Order parading issues in the last number of years. Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness follows up his meeting with the Queen by greeting Price Charles on his visit.

Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye Thursday 21st May 2015 - Royal Visit Opera Singer - Prince Charles and Camilla at St Patricks Church in Belfast during their visit Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye

Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye Thursday 21st May 2015 - Royal Visit Opera Singer - Prince Charles and Camilla at St Patricks Church in Belfast during their visit Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye

Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye Thursday 21st May 2015 - Royal Visit Opera Singer - Prince Charles and Camilla at St Patricks Church in Belfast during their visit Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye

Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye Thursday 21st May 2015 - Royal Visit Opera Singer - Prince Charles and Camilla at St Patricks Church in Belfast during their visit Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye

Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye Thursday 21st May 2015 - Royal Visit Opera Singer - Prince Charles and Camilla at St Patricks Church in Belfast during their visit Picture - Kevin Scott / Presseye

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 21: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visits Ballyhackamore Credit Union on May 21, 2015 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall will attend a series of engagements in Northern Ireland following their two day visit in the Republic of Ireland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 21: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall meets school children as she visits Ballyhackamore Credit Union on May 21, 2015 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall will attend a series of engagements in Northern Ireland following their two day visit in the Republic of Ireland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 21: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales greets well wishers as he visits St Patrick's Church on May 21, 2015 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall will attend a series of engagements in Northern Ireland following their two day visit in the Republic of Ireland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 21: Patron of The Big Lunch Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall greets well wishers on May 21, 2015 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall will attend a series of engagements in Northern Ireland following their two day visit in the Republic of Ireland. (Photo by Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 21: Patron of The Big Lunch Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall reacts as she attends a reception for supporters of the community initiative on May 21, 2015 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall will attend a series of engagements in Northern Ireland following their two day visit in the Republic of Ireland. (Photo by Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 21: Patron of The Big Lunch Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall greets well wishers on May 21, 2015 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall will attend a series of engagements in Northern Ireland following their two day visit in the Republic of Ireland. (Photo by Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 21: Patron of The Big Lunch Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall reacts as she attends a reception for supporters of the community initiative on May 21, 2015 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall will attend a series of engagements in Northern Ireland following their two day visit in the Republic of Ireland. (Photo by Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The Duchess of Cornwall receives flowers from Sophie Booker,ten, as she visits Ballyhackamore Credit Union in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as the Prince of Wales and Camilla, attend a series of engagements in Northern Ireland following their two day visit in the Republic of Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday May 21, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Jeff J Mitchell/PA Wire

The Duchess of Cornwall meets school children as she visits Ballyhackamore Credit Union in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as the Prince of Wales and Camilla, attend a series of engagements in Northern Ireland following their two day visit in the Republic of Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday May 21, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Jeff J Mitchell/PA Wire

The Duchess of Cornwall meets school children as she visits Ballyhackamore Credit Union in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as the Prince of Wales and Camilla, attend a series of engagements in Northern Ireland following their two day visit in the Republic of Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday May 21, 2015. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Jeff J Mitchell/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales, waves as he walks out of St Patrick's Church, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with Fr Michael Sheehan, as the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, attend a series of engagements in Northern Ireland following their two day visit in the Republic of Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday May 21, 2015. The Prince of Wales has visited a Catholic church in Belfast that has been at the centre of a series of bitter marching disputes involving Protestant loyal orders and loyalist bands. St Patrick's Church has witnessed disorder and discord in recent years, with some parading loyalist bandsmen accused of provocative and sectarian behaviour while passing the place of worship. The visit of the prince and the Duchess of Cornwall will be seen as another symbolic gesture by a Royal family keen to contribute to reconciliation in Northern Ireland. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Jeff J Mitchell/PA Wire

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, during a visit to St Patrick's Church, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, attend a series of engagements in Northern Ireland following their two day visit in the Republic of Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday May 21, 2015. The Prince of Wales has visited a Catholic church in Belfast that has been at the centre of a series of bitter marching disputes involving Protestant loyal orders and loyalist bands. St Patrick's Church has witnessed disorder and discord in recent years, with some parading loyalist bandsmen accused of provocative and sectarian behaviour while passing the place of worship. The visit of the prince and the Duchess of Cornwall will be seen as another symbolic gesture by a Royal family keen to contribute to reconciliation in Northern Ireland. See PA story ROYAL Ireland. Photo credit should read: Jeff J Mitchell/PA Wire

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visits Mount Stewart on May 22, 2015 in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visited Mount Stewart House and Gardens and Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation centre Corrymeela on the final day of their visit of Ireland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall pose with performers during a reception and concert featuring performers from Northern Ireland at Hillsborough Castle, in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The Prince of Wales talks with a dancer during a reception and concert featuring performers from Northern Ireland at Hillsborough Castle, in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visit Mount Stewart on May 22, 2015 in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visited Mount Stewart House and Gardens and Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation centre Corrymeela on the final day of their visit of Ireland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall tour Mount Stewart House, in Co Down on the last day of their visit to Northern Ireland.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visit Mount Stewart on May 22, 2015 in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visited Mount Stewart House and Gardens and Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation centre Corrymeela on the final day of their visit of Ireland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall tour Mount Stewart on the last day of their visit to Northern Ireland.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales laughs as he visits Mount Stewart on May 22, 2015 in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visited Mount Stewart House and Gardens and Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation centre Corrymeela on the final day of their visit of Ireland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall slice a sponge cake resembling Mount Stewart House, in Co Down, during a tour for the official re-opening of the National Trust property, which has undergone a refurbishment.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall emerge from the house to tour the Gardens at Mount Stewart House, in Co Down on the last day of their visit to Northern Ireland.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall tour the Gardens talking to workers at Mount Stewart House, in Co Down on the last day of their visit to Northern Ireland.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrive by helicopter to visit the Corrymeela Centre in Ballycastle Co Antrim which is Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation centre.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during a visit to the Corrymeela Centre in Ballycastle Co Antrim which is Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation centre.

ANTRIM, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 22: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visit Mount Stewart House and Garden on May 22, 2015 in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visited Mount Stewart House and Gardens and Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation centre Corrymeela on the final day of their visit of Ireland. (Photo by Eddie Mulholland - Pool/Getty Images)

ANTRIM, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 22: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visit Mount Stewart House and Garden on May 22, 2015 in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visited Mount Stewart House and Gardens and Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation centre Corrymeela on the final day of their visit of Ireland. (Photo by Eddie Mulholland - Pool/Getty Images)

ANTRIM, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 22: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visits Mount Stewart House and Garden on May 22, 2015 in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visited Mount Stewart House and Gardens and Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation centre Corrymeela on the final day of their visit of Ireland. (Photo by Eddie Mulholland - Pool/Getty Images)

ANTRIM, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 22: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall with the famous "Hamiltonian" by George Stubbs as she visits Mount Stewart House and Garden on May 22, 2015 in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visited Mount Stewart House and Gardens and Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation centre Corrymeela on the final day of their visit of Ireland. (Photo by Eddie Mulholland - Pool/Getty Images)

ANTRIM, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 22: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visit Mount Stewart House and Garden on May 22, 2015 in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visited Mount Stewart House and Gardens and Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation centre Corrymeela on the final day of their visit of Ireland. (Photo by Eddie Mulholland - Pool/Getty Images)

ANTRIM, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 22: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall cut a cake with the help of Mr David Lindsay, HM Lord-Lieutenant of County Down during their visit to Mount Stewart House and Garden on May 22, 2015 in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visited Mount Stewart House and Gardens and Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation centre Corrymeela on the final day of their visit of Ireland. (Photo by Eddie Mulholland - Pool/Getty Images)

ANTRIM, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 22: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall cut a cake with the help of Mr David Lindsay, HM Lord-Lieutenant of County Down during their visit to Mount Stewart House and Garden on May 22, 2015 in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visited Mount Stewart House and Gardens and Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation centre Corrymeela on the final day of their visit of Ireland. (Photo by Eddie Mulholland - Pool/Getty Images)

ANTRIM, NORTHERN IRELAND - MAY 22: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall cut a cake with the help of Mr David Lindsay, HM Lord-Lieutenant of County Down during their visit to Mount Stewart House and Garden on May 22, 2015 in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visited Mount Stewart House and Gardens and Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation centre Corrymeela on the final day of their visit of Ireland. (Photo by Eddie Mulholland - Pool/Getty Images)

Gerry Adams failed to apologise to Prince Charles for the death of his great-uncle Lord Henry Mountbatten at their historic meeting.

The Sinn Fein leader said he stands over his comments that the royal "knew the danger" he was in by coming to Ireland.

The meeting of Ireland's most senior republican figure and Prince Charles (66) was the stand-out event from the opening day of the four-day visit to Ireland with his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

Mr Adams shook hands with Prince Charles during a reception at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), yesterday.

It marked the first meeting in the Republic between a Sinn Fein leader and member of the royal family.

Mr Adams claimed he had a meeting of minds talking to the prince about lives lost in Northern Ireland's 30-year conflict.

After the historic handshake, the men held a 10-minute private discussion.

Mr Adams said they both expressed regrets over deaths in the Troubles and spoke about the 1979 IRA bombing in which Prince Charles' great-uncle Lord Mountbatten was murdered, and other atrocities.

Lord Mountbatten died along with Lady Doreen Brabourne, the 83-year-old mother-in-law of the earl's daughter, his 14-year-old grandson Nicholas Knatchbull, and 14-year-old Paul Maxwell, from Killynure, Enniskillen.

"Both he and we expressed our regret for what happened from 1968 onwards," Mr Adams said.

"We were of a common mind and the fact that the meeting took place, it obviously was a big thing for him to do and a big thing for us to do." Mr Adams described the meeting as "a significant symbolic and practical step forward in the process of healing and reconciliation arising from the peace process".

"He and his family were hurt and suffered great loss by the actions of Irish republicans. I am very conscious of this and of the sad loss of the Maxwell family, whose son Paul was killed at Mullaghmore, and I thank all involved, including Charles, for their forbearance," he said.

However, he refused to take back previous comments that the royal "could not have objected to dying" because "he knew the danger in coming to this country".

He said: "I stand over what I said then. I'm not one of those people that engages in revisionism. Thankfully the war is over.

"I would not have been surprised to have been killed in the course of the conflict," he told RTE radio. He said he was "mindful of the suffering" experienced by Prince Charles and his family but said he was equally aware of those who died throughout the course of the Troubles, as well as ongoing difficulties in Northern Ireland.

Also at the private meeting were Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and British Ambassador to Ireland Dominick Chilcott.

Charles agreed to the meeting at the National University of Ireland after a request by the Sinn Fein leader. The handshake will chime with the theme of peace and reconciliation at the prayer gathering in St Columba's Church, Drumcliffe, Co Sligo, today, a few miles from Mullaghmore, where the IRA killed Mountbatten. It is also being looked on as the next phase in ever-deepening relations, friendships and bonds between the UK and Ireland.

It is understood royal sources are looking on the meeting with Mr Adams as productive and conciliatory and that due credit is being given to the Queen.

Alan McBride, whose wife Sharon was killed in the IRA Shankill Road bombing in 1993, told the BBC the families of some of the victims would find the handshake difficult to watch.

"At the end of the day, it is just a handshake and I long for the day when these things don't have the sort of significance that they have at present, because of our history and the conflict and all of that," he said.

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