London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Thursday, Mar 19, 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
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
Iran Conflict Sends Shockwaves Through UK Economy as Energy Costs and Trade Risks Surge
UK Health Officials Warn Kent Meningitis Outbreak Still Active as Cases Continue to Rise
UK Climate Progress Faces Scrutiny Over Reliance on Carbon Accounting Methods
UK Deploys Advisers to United States to Shape Plan for Reopening Strait of Hormuz
Amazon Bets on AI-Driven Alexa Upgrade to Revive UK Smart Speaker Market
UK Abortion Law Changes Spark Strong Response from Church Leaders and Pro-Life Advocates
UK Abortion Law Changes Spark Strong Response from Church Leaders and Pro-Life Advocates
GB News Faces Regulatory Complaints Over On-Air Remarks on ‘Genocide’ Claims
UK Signals Expanded Support for Gulf Allies as Iranian Attacks Intensify Regional Threats
UK VAT Decision Opens Path for Potential Refunds to U.S. Biopharma Firms
UK and Canada Advance ‘Middle Power’ Strategy to Shape Global Influence Beyond Superpowers
Google Explores AI Opt-Out Features in Search to Address UK Regulatory Concerns
Google Explores AI Opt-Out Features in Search to Address UK Regulatory Concerns
UK Fuel Prices Poised to Surge as Global Tensions Drive Oil Market Volatility
UK Fuel Prices Poised to Surge as Global Tensions Drive Oil Market Volatility
UK Holds Back on Hormuz Escort Mission While Continuing Talks with Allies
TrumpRx Pricing Platform Faces Scrutiny as Some Medicines Remain Costlier Than in the UK
UK, Netherlands and Finland Explore Joint Defence Investment Bank to Boost Military Capability
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak in Kent Raises Alarm as Cases Surge and Emergency Response Expands
UK Security Adviser Viewed US-Iran Nuclear Deal as Within Reach Before Sudden Escalation
UK Prime Minister Urges Continued Focus on Ukraine Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
UK Introduces New Safeguards to Shield Lenders from Bank Run Risks
UK Promotional Products Market Surpasses £1.3 Billion as Demand Strengthens in 2025
Reeves Pushes for Deeper UK-EU Economic Ties to Revive Growth
UK Security Adviser Saw No Imminent Iranian Nuclear Threat Days Before War Erupted
France Signals Warm Welcome for UK Return to EU Single Market Amid Renewed Cooperation Talks
UK Defence Official Criticises Boeing Over Delays to E-7 Wedgetail Programme
UK Urged to Secure Quantum Talent as Minister Warns Against Repeating AI Setbacks
UK Mayors Set to Gain New Spending Powers Under Reeves’ Fiscal Devolution Plan
Western Allies Urge Restraint as Israel Weighs Expanded Ground Operation in Lebanon
Trump Warns NATO Faces ‘Very Bad’ Future Without Stronger Allied Support in Iran Conflict
UK Minister Says Britain Not Bound to Support Every Demand From U.S. President
Starmer Tells Trump Britain Will Not Be Drawn Into Wider Iran War
Starmer Tells Trump Britain Will Not Be Drawn Into Wider Iran War
UK Set to Introduce Steel Tariffs of Up to 50 Percent in New Industrial Strategy
European Governments Decline Trump’s Call to Send Warships to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
Fears Over Iran Conflict Weigh on UK Consumer Confidence
Starmer Says UK Working With Allies on Hormuz Shipping Plan After Trump Raises Pressure
Iran War and Energy Shock Shake Britain’s Economy and Political Debate
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak at UK University Leaves Two Dead and Several Seriously Ill
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak at UK University Leaves Two Dead and Several Seriously Ill
King Charles and Queen Camilla Share Personal Tributes to Their Mothers on UK Mother’s Day
Prince William Honors Princess Diana with Mother’s Day Tribute
UK Economy Stalls in January as Households Cut Back on Eating Out
AI-Generated Singer Becomes Viral Voice for Iranians With New Anthem
×