London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Monday, Mar 23, 2026

King and Queen Conclude Royal Visit to Northern Ireland

King and Queen Conclude Royal Visit to Northern Ireland

Charles and Camilla engage with local communities during a three-day tour, highlighting regional culture and business.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla concluded their three-day official visit to Northern Ireland, marked by public engagements and community interactions across various locations, including Banbridge in County Down.

The visit attracted hundreds of spectators, eager to greet the royal couple as they arrived in Banbridge, where they were welcomed by the Lord Lieutenant of Co Down, Gawn Rowan Hamilton, amid performances by local ukulele bands playing 'Rockin’ All Over The World.'

During their time in Banbridge, King Charles engaged with local businesses, including representatives from the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, which utilizes a former linen mill site now transformed into a significant tourist attraction.

Sam Harding, managing director of the studio tour, noted that King Charles expressed interest in the business's contributions to the local economy.

He acknowledged that while the King had not watched the series, he was eager to learn about its impact.

In addition to the studio tour representatives, the King interacted with the owner of a local gift shop, William Porter, who discussed a unique £5 note featuring the late Queen's portrait and the uniqueness of small local crafts.

Queen Camilla visited Banbridge Library, where she participated in a children's reading session featuring 'Peanut Gets His Sparkle Back,' written by local author Kate Russell.

She engaged with children from Abercorn Primary School, who performed the nursery rhyme 'Clippety Clop' for her.

The Queen also donated a plush dog to the library for children’s reading programs.

During her meeting with members of a monthly book club, she shared her fondness for traditional books, drawing reactions from attendees.

At the town hall, Queen Camilla received a bouquet of pink cupcakes from Nikki McDonald, general manager of The Windsor Bakery, which opened in the same year as Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.

Meanwhile, King Charles was presented with a ceramic artwork of St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh by Deputy Lord Mayor Kyle Savage, who commented on the King's down-to-earth demeanor during interactions.

As their visit continued, the royal couple was briefed on the history of Banbridge and its notable 1835 bridge.

Earlier in their trip, King Charles discussed advancements in cancer research at Ulster University in Coleraine, while Queen Camilla participated in a cookery demonstration near Limavady.

Throughout the visit, they met with a diverse array of local figures, including farmers, artists, and community leaders, along with political representatives such as Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, First Minister Michelle O’Neill, and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

As the visit concluded, the royal couple interacted warmly with the public, accepting gifts and engaging with onlookers, including children adorned in paper crowns.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Senior UK Advocate Criticises Barnhart Retirement Appointment, Calls for Reconsideration
UK Finds No Evidence of Direct Iranian Threat to Britain, Says Prime Minister Starmer
Assessing Iran’s Strike Capability and the UK’s Readiness Amid Rising Tensions
NATO Unable to Confirm Iran’s Role in Strike on UK-US Base as Tehran Denies Involvement
University of Kentucky’s Youling Xiong Receives SEC Faculty Achievement Award for 2026
Trump Highlights Satirical Portrayal of UK Leadership Amid Talks with Prime Minister Starmer on Iran Conflict
Trump Highlights Satirical Portrayal of UK Leadership Amid Talks with Prime Minister Starmer on Iran Conflict
UK Fuel Prices Surge Toward Crisis Levels as Experts Warn of Further Sharp Increases
UK Fuel Prices Surge Toward Crisis Levels as Experts Warn of Further Sharp Increases
Duchess of Sussex Secures ‘As Ever’ Trademark Rights in Australia Ahead of High-Profile Visit
UK Reaffirms Security as Officials Reject Claims of Immediate Iranian Missile Threat
Rising Middle East Tensions Spark ‘Trumpflation’ Debate Over Impact on UK Households
UK Minister Says No Evidence Iran Can Strike Europe Despite Heightened Warnings
British-Iranians Voice Safety Concerns to Authorities as Regional Conflict Intensifies
Confirmed Meningitis Cases Linked to Kent Outbreak Revised Down to Twenty
UK Government Sees No Evidence Iran Can Strike London Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Debate Grows Over Recognition of Indigenous Cultural Icons in the United Kingdom
Iran Missile Launch Toward Diego Garcia Raises Questions After Failed Strike on US–UK Base
Donald Trump Amplifies Viral Satirical Clip Highlighting UK–US Political Dynamics
UK Satirical Show Draws Attention with Sketch Referencing Trump and Prince Andrew
Meghan Markle’s Possible UK Return Sparks Renewed Attention on Sussex Role
Starmer Convenes Urgent Talks on Cost-of-Living Pressures Linked to Iran Conflict
Starmer Convenes Urgent Talks on Cost-of-Living Pressures Linked to Iran Conflict
UK Investors Eye Bargain Shares Ahead of ISA Deadline Amid Market Volatility
UK Investors Eye Bargain Shares Ahead of ISA Deadline Amid Market Volatility
Northern Lights Expected Over UK Skies Tonight Amid Strong Solar Activity
UK Condemns Iran Missile Strike and Warns Against Threats to British Personnel
UK Warns of Global Flight Disruptions as Iran Conflict Escalates Under Trump’s Leadership
UK Condemns Iran After Missile Strike Targets Strategic Diego Garcia Base
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak in UK Reinforces Urgency of Vaccination Campaigns
Iran Launches Long-Range Missile Strike on Remote US-UK Base, Signaling Expanded Reach
Iran Launches Long-Range Missile Strike on Remote US-UK Base, Signaling Expanded Reach
UK Rules Out Cyprus Base Role in Joint US Self-Defence Framework
UK Ends Hereditary Peerage Rights in Parliament in Historic Constitutional Reform
Lord Walney Warns of Expanding Iranian Influence Networks Within the United Kingdom
Iranian National Among Two Arrested After Attempt to Access UK Nuclear Submarine Base
Deregulation, Artificial Intelligence, and Fraud Laws Reshape UK Financial Services Landscape
UK Considers Lower Speed Limits to Reduce Fuel Use Amid Escalating Energy Crisis
UK Borrowing Costs Surge to Post-Crisis High as Markets React to Inflation and War Risks
UK Government Prepares Emergency Economic Measures as Iran Conflict Fuels Financial Risks
Meningitis B Outbreak in the UK Raises Urgent Health Warnings as Cases Surge
Iran Issues Stark Warning to Britain Over US Base Access Amid Expanding Conflict
United Kingdom Authorizes US Strikes from British Bases as Iran Threatens Key Shipping Routes
Reform UK Suspends Scottish Candidate Following Financial Misconduct Allegations
Apple issues an unusual warning: this is how your iPhone can be hacked without you doing anything
UK and Nigeria Reach Agreement to Accelerate Return of Irregular Migrants
UK Sets New Aid Priorities Following Significant Budget Reductions
Cyprus President Urges Open Dialogue Over Future of British Sovereign Base Areas
Cyprus President Urges Open Dialogue Over Future of British Sovereign Base Areas
UK Plans 50% Steel Tariffs in Bold Move to Protect Domestic Industry
×