The King and Queen had a jam-packed day in Belfast meeting with creatives, hospitality leaders, the police, sports figures, and a women's centre.
Charles and Camilla started their visit on Wednesday in the heart of Belfast at Commercial Court, where they were greeted by Lord Mayor Micky Murray, High Sheriff Fiona McAteer and Belfast North MP John Finucane. Serenaded by the music of The Causeway Shantymen, they spoke to the makers of the multicoloured electric umbrellas and signs that decorate the Commercial Court and walking tour guides.
They greeted members of the public who had gathered to see them, before visiting the Sea Holly Gallery. The royal couple viewed an exhibition by artist Ciaran Gallagher, who has painted figures from the local community including chefs, window washers, police officers and street performers.
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The royal couple also enjoyed a whiskey tasting at The Friend At Hand. They then parted ways with Charles going on to the Newforge Sports Complex and Event Hub, home to the PSNI Athletic Association, while Camilla went to the Atlas Women’s Centre in Lisburn.
Later in the afternoon, the King and Queen had separate private audiences with Northern Ireland’s Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle O’Neill and DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Hillsborough Castle. Sinn Fein said the King greeted Ms O’Neill in Irish, saying: “Trathnona maith, a Chead Aire (Good afternoon, First Minister)”, with her replying “Trathnona maith duitse fosta. Cad e mar ata tu? (Good afternoon to you, too. How are you?)”.
Earlier at Newforge, Charles was greeted by Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long and PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher before taking in a showcase of sport drills, including rugby, football, hockey and Gaelic games.
The King learned about the forging of cross-community links that have been developed and maintained through the Newforge development, and met the chairperson of East Belfast GAA Kimberly Robertson. He also met PSNI representatives and presented an award to the force’s peer support and wellbeing volunteers.
Take a look through our photo gallery below for some highlights of the visit.
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