The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Co. Armagh today (Tuesday), rounding off a day-long visit to Northern Ireland with a stop at one of the region’s best-known family-run orchards.
Their Royal Highnesses were welcomed to Long Meadow Cider, outside Portadown, where they learned how the McKeever family have blended generations of apple-growing tradition with modern, sustainable food production.
The McKeevers have been cultivating premium-quality apples on the farm since 1968, with the business now spanning three generations.
In recent years, the family has diversified beyond growing fruit, producing craft cider, apple juice and apple cider vinegar, which are stocked in major supermarkets across Northern Ireland.
The farm has also become a popular tourist destination, with visitors travelling from across the world to experience orchard tours, tastings and demonstrations of traditional food-making methods.
During their visit, The Prince and Princess met members of the McKeever family and heard how they have built a resilient rural business while staying true to their heritage.
They observed the cider vinegar production process, watched apples being pressed and bottled on site, and toured the orchards at the height of the harvest season.
The Royal couple were also invited to Bramley Barn to take part in a traditional potato apple bread-making demonstration — before sampling some of the orchard’s award-winning juices and ciders.
The visit to Co Armagh was the final engagement of the day for Their Royal Highnesses, who earlier toured the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service’s new training college in Cookstown and visited Mallon Farm in County Tyrone to learn about the revival of flax growing for linen production.
Their trip focused on celebrating entrepreneurship, rural innovation and heritage industries across Northern Ireland.
Speaking on the honour, the McKeever’s posted on social media: “What an honour! Today we had the privilege of welcoming the @princeandprincessofwales to @long.meadow.cider. It was a true pleasure to showcase our family-run business and to welcome them to our family farm. Their warmth and genuine interest made it a truly special day for everyone here at Long Meadow — a day we’ll remember for years to come.”
