Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are about to go on a four-day visit to Ireland, and Charles is sure to recall a particularly terrible recollection from the island.

The 73-year-old Charles’ visit to Ireland is thought to be extra meaningful because his mentor, Lord Mountbatten, was slain there by the IRA in 1979.

The former Navy admiral, known as ‘Dickie’ to his friends and family, was killed when his Shadow V boat exploded off the coast of Mullaghmore, County Sligo when he and his family were on a fishing expedition.

In addition to Mountbatten, three other persons were murdered in the blast, including his own grandson, Nicholas Knatchbull.

Charles addressed the tragic killing of Mountbatten in a poignant speech in 2015, in which he said: “In August 1979, my much-loved great uncle, Lord Mountbatten, was killed alongside his young grandson and my godson, Nicholas…”

“At the time I could not imagine how we would come to terms with the anguish of such a deep loss since, for me, Lord Mountbatten represented the grandfather I never had. So, it seemed as if the foundations of all that we held dear in life had been torn apart irreparably.”

He added: “Through this dreadful experience, though, I now understand in a profound way the agonies borne by so many others in these islands, of whatever faith, denomination or political tradition.”

The tight bond between Charles and Mountbatten was also shown in Netflix’s royal drama The Crown.

In terms of 2022, Charles and Camilla arrived in Ireland on Tuesday, March 22, and were greeted by 300 kids.