THE Impartial Reporter's archives reveal a solo visit by Prince Philip to Fermanagh in 1956, where he was welcomed to Enniskillen and drove through villages en route to Colebrooke estate.

On April 23, 1956, Prince Philip landed at RAF St. Angelo on a Monday morning and shock hands with Lord Brookborough, and said: “Well, I have kept my promise.”

A keen pilot, Prince Philip flew himself part of the way to St. Angelo. The Impartial Reporter said: “From the moment The Duke was seen removing his 'intercom' earphones and climbing out of the pilot's seat as the aircraft came to a stop, his one and a half hours in the public eye were notable for the simple casualness which is characteristic of the central figure himself.”

The report noted a crowd of 200 people had gathered at the airport, and the Duke wore a grey lounge suit and carried a brown soft hat.

Prince Philip was greeted by Lord Wakehurst, Governor of Northern Ireland; Lord Brookborough, The Earl of Enniskillen; the chiefs of the three armed services in Ulster; RUC Inspector General, Sir Richard Pim; station commander of the St. Angelo airfield, Michael Parker R. N.; and Squadron leader, Henry Chinnery.

It was noted that farmhouses the whole way to Enniskillen were decorated for the occasion as Prince Philip travelled in a car transported to Enniskillen specifically for the visit.

Upon his arrival at the town, the Duke was greeted by large crowds as he inspected a guard of honour formed by The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

This paper noted that he was greeted at the town hall by the mayor, Alderman T. H. Algeo; Miss D. Angeo, and members of the Borough Council.

Prince Philip was known the world over for his casualness, and The Impartial Reporter noted: “Inside, it was as casual a Royal occasion as there had been in Ulster. The Duke moved freely among the guests.”

Prince Philip then travelled to Colebrook where he passed through several villages. “The village of Lisbellaw had a large banner hung across the main steet with the word 'Welcome' on it.

"It was a banner that had been used before by local Loyalists, and on the reverse side, which was not seen by the Royal visitor, were the words, 'No Surrender'."

Prince Philip arrived to Colebrooke Estate where he was due to stay the night. One of his first acts as a visitor was to observe a herd of Friesian cows with Lord and Lady Brookborough, Captain John Brooke and Captain Brooke’s three children, Alan (the current Lord Brookborough]) Christopher and Julianna.

Prince Philip then planted an oak tree in the grounds of the estate to mark his visit.

The next day, he journeyed on to Ballagh, Clogher, where he visited the Barnett family. He surveyed the fields walking for about a mile surrounding their home, drank coffee and ate home-made scones.

During his visit, Prince Philip inquired about the state of farming in the district. He then signed a photograph of himself, and then travelled onward to Ballygawley.