Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, have paid a visit to Donegal town during their Irish trip, where they toured the weaving mill operated by famed Irish brand Magee 1866, which makes wool cloth for suiting and other purposes at its Donegal location.

In a visit that lasted 40 minutes, the couple toured the weaving mill guided by company chair Lynn Temple, learning how the fabric is designed and made, and finding out more about the Irish brand. Prince Charles is patron of the Campaign for Wool, which aims to raise awareness amongst consumers about the unique, natural, renewable and biodegradable benefits offered by the fibre.

According to Temple: “It was a real privilege to welcome their Royal Highnesses and to show them the heritage of our brand, from our humble beginnings as a drapers and cloth merchants in 1866 to a globally known and loved lifestyle brand in 2016. They were wonderful guests, and hugely interested in our history and the family aspect of the company, with the fourth and fifth generation at the helm of Magee 1866.

"Alongside time spent chatting informally to family members including Maureen Temple, 90 years old in July and wife of the late Howard Temple, chair of Magee 1866 for 50 years, Charlotte Temple, retail and design director, and Paddy Temple, operations manager, they took the time to meet all the staff. The visit truly was the perfect way to mark Magee 1866’s 150th year”.

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