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.
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.