Thousands greet Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall as Northern Ireland visit begins

There may not have been white sands, Caribbean seas or rum punch-fuelled parties – but there was more than enough Jubilee spirit to go around.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall landed in Northern Ireland for the second royal tour of the week, with the people of Cookstown turning out in their droves to see the first royal visitors in their town's 400-year history after word of the top-secret trip spread on Tuesday.

As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge continued their Caribbean tour from Belize to Jamaica, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall landed in Belfast for a four-day Platinum Jubilee tour of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The visit was kept secret for security reasons, as is customary in Northern Ireland, with the entire programme under wraps until the couple arrived.

But word of mouth did the job, and around 3,000 people are estimated to have flocked to the high street in Cookstown after friends and family spread the news.

A six-day old baby was carried through the throng alongside pensioners, shopkeepers and hundreds of schoolchildren who were given a few hours off lessons.

"I'll never wash my hand again," one woman exclaimed, after Prince Charles shook it. "Everyone's abandoning their babies now!" reported another, surveying empty prams as mothers and father pushed forward with their infants to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.

It is understood Clarence House has sought to arrange Jubilee visits to areas that might have received less royal attention over the years. "Cookstown is the new Caribbean," one royal source joked of the two Platinum Jubilee royal tours.

"It's nice for them to come to Cookstown and put us on the map," said local Carol Brownlee, 62. "We feel forgotten sometimes."

"It's a privilege for them to come here," said Irene Wilie, 58, who rang her two sisters and urged them to join her at the walkabout after getting wind of the royal visit when her husband was asked to bring his vintage tractor down. "They're just special. The Queen at her age, she's very special. I've never met anybody famous in my life."

The Prince and Duchess had been allocated 20 minutes for the walkabout along the mile-long street, one of the longest high streets in all of Ireland. In the event, they were faced with so many camera phones, excited locals and babies to be cooed over that they overran to half an hour.

Fraser McBride, aged five months, joined the fray with his parents Kelly and Paul, who had "heard whispers" of the incoming royals that morning. "It's the first royal visit, so everyone's really excited," said Mrs McBride.

There was a heavy security presence, but as the morning went on cheerful officers turned their attention to helping the youngest and oldest see the royals and get coveted photographs.

The Prince chatted to crowds about all manner of topics, telling people: "I hope we haven't interrupted your day."

Women in the crowd seemed particularly taken with the Duchess, exclaiming over her appearance in person. "She looks much younger in real life," said one approvingly. "Much prettier."

Camilla, wearing a dark green coat by designer Mr Roy teamed with black heeled boots and a shamrock brooch, said of the town: "I wasn't expecting this beautiful warm weather. It is wonderful. I could stay here all day."

The Prince and Duchess visited two local shops, a butcher's and a haberdashery, before being welcomed to the Superstars community cafe, where volunteers support adults with special educational needs.

There, they hopped aboard a bicycle to try pedalling before hopping off defeated after realising the brakes were on. They clapped along as they watched a performance of Greased Lightning by young adults outside the cafe.

May McAvoy, who set up the cafe 18 years ago, said she was "overwhelmed", adding: "It is a huge recognition for the work that we do here to have a royal visit."

The Prince then toured historic Lissan House, which reached the final of the BBC's Restoration programme in 2003. After seeing the 17th century home, he was given some freshly baked soda bread and said it was "delicious".

He was then introduced to rescue hedgehogs Gill and Felix. Meeting Gill, who is missing an eye and a leg after being caught by a hedge trimmer, Charles said: "It is awful, awful. It is wonderful that you take care of her."

The Duchess, meanwhile, visited a women's refuge where she heard from survivors about how they had started to rebuild their lives. She joined an art session with children who have experienced trauma, and thanked dozens of members of staff and volunteers for the support they provide to women in desperate need.