The Prince's trip came 50 years after his parents, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, visited the island, and a century after his great grandfather, George V, came.

VIDEO OF PRINCE EDWARD'S TRIP TO HOLY ISLAND

To mark the celebration the Earl of Wessex planted a commemorative tree in the grounds surrounding Lindisfarne Priory.

It is 100 years since Queen Mary planted a tree in the gardens of the Manor House Hotel and 50 years since HM The Queen and Prince Philip visited the island and planted trees in the Village Square.

The Earl used the same spade which both The Queen and Queen Mary used 50 and 100 years before respectively.

As well as planting the tree, the Prince went to Lindisfarne Heritage Centre, Lindisfarne Mead Winery and Lindisfarne Castle.

At the heritage centre, the Prince was invited to view a facsimile edition and an electronic interactive version of the Lindisfarne Gospels. Both are held in specially-constructed display areas at the Heritage Centre.He was also given a tour of the exhibitions of Island Life, giving him an insight into what makes Holy Island such a unique place to live, work and visit.

Dick Patterson, chairman of Holy Island Development Trust, which manages the centre, and the island's parish council, said: "It has been a super day.

"The Earl of Wessex has been really enthusiastic and is a very nice person."The Earl was more than happy to talk to the crowds of people who came to see him.

One on looker, Elizabeth Douglas, 63, said: "He is lovely. He was very pleasant and it was lovely to see him."

Elizabeth, a resident of Holy Island, saw the Queen when she attended 50 years ago.

The Prince is also visiting Woodhorn Museum and Newbiggin by the Sea today.