BELFAST, Ireland--The Duchess of Cornwall, better known in the U.S. as the wife of Prince Charles, hailed the credit union movement for saving people from the hands of loan sharks during her visit to an award-winning branch here.
The Duchess, also known as Camilla Parker Bowles, has been a long-time supporter of credit unions.
During a visit to Ballyhackamore CU here, she told young savers that she has an account of her own at London Mutual Credit Union, according to the Belfast Telegraph. Parker Bowles spoke with both staff and members before unveiling a plaque to commemorate her visit.
"I think it's so important people know about it," she said of the concept of credit unions, according to the Belfast Telegraph. "When I came on board I knew absolutely nothing about it - I'm learning slowly. I have also talked to a lot of people who have literally been in dire straits, in the hands of loan sharks. I can see talking to people here how many people you have helped," she said. "I think you do a wonderful job."