King and Queen conclude three-day visit to Northern Ireland

Yahoo

21-03-2025

The King and Queen greeted members of the public as they concluded their three-day visit to Northern Ireland.
Hundreds of people packed the streets of Banbridge, Co Down, waving flags and bearing bouquets and other gifts, in the hope of catching a glimpse of the royals.
Two ukulele bands, from Banbridge and Lisburn, played Rockin' All Over The World as Charles and Camilla were greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Co Down, Gawn Rowan Hamilton, upon their arrival.
At Banbridge Old Town Hall, Charles met representatives from the Game Of Thrones experience, the owner of a gift shop, local bakers and linen makers.
Sam Harding, managing director of the Game Of Thrones Studio Tour, said it was 'a very good day for the area and for the business'.
Mr Harding said he explained to the King that what is now a tourist attraction was the location for the popular series, and it was a family-run linen mill before that.
'He was really easy to talk to and very pleasant,' he told the PA news agency.
'He is aware of Game Of Thrones, hadn't watched it himself but was really keen to understand what the business was like and the contribution to the local community.
'We asked if he'd seen the show, and he said no, he hadn't had the time to do it. But we told him it was eight seasons long if he did want to give it a go.'
William Porter, owner of a local giftshop, spoke to Charles about a small ceramic crown and the uniqueness of a £5 note with the late Queen's head on both sides.
'It's either worth a complete fortune or a forgery,' he said.
Asked whether the King said much about it, Mr Porter said he did not.
Camilla visited Banbridge Library and listened in while Peanut Gets His Sparkle Back, written by local author Kate Russell, was read to children.
She was also presented with a bouquet of pink cupcakes by Nikki McDonald, general manager of The Windsor Bakery, which opened the year of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.
As the couple departed from the town hall, Charles was presented with a ceramic artwork of St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh by Deputy Lord Mayor Kyle Savage.
'He was delighted to receive the gift,' Mr Savage said.
'The visit was fantastic, he was very down to earth, he connected with people and really engaged with all the businesses.
'It was great to hear His Majesty taking the time to talk with so many local businesses.'
The royal couple were then told about the history of the Co Down town and briefed on its famous bridge built in 1835.
Before concluding their visit to the region, they shook hands with members of the public, accepting gifts and flowers and petting a few dogs as children wearing paper crowns waved flags.
Over their three-day visit, Charles was briefed on research into cancer therapies at the Ulster University campus in Coleraine, while Camilla took part in a cookery demonstration at a farm near Limavady with celebrity chef Paula McIntyre.
The Charles and Camilla stand on the Rathfriland Street bridge as they look over Bridge Street in Banbridge (Liam McBurney/PA)They met farmers, artists, acrobats and sea shanty singers during the visit, as well as Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.