Queen Camilla beams as she cuts cake for youngsters at native library whereas King Charles meets with enterprise representatives in Banbridge – throughout couple’s third day in Northern Ireland
The King and Queen appeared to be in high spirits as they took on their third day of engagements in Northern Ireland this morning.
The royal couple beamed as they explored the town of Banbridge – with Charles, 76, meeting local business representatives while his wife joined children from the area for a reading at the library, and dished out some cake.
The monarch was pictured smiling as he met with people at the Old Town Hall, including individuals from the creative industries – including some of those involved in the Game of Thrones studio tour available nearby, as well as staff from the Southern Regional College and Total Hockey.
The venue is also home to a recently opened Community Advice Centre which provides free, confidential information and advice to support residents living in the Borough.
Charles was seen listening attentively as he shook hands with attendees, and it is understood that Camilla will have the opportunity to speak to staff who deliver these services and understand the importance of the centre to the local community.
Meanwhile, the Queen, 77, took in the service’s offered by Libraries Northern Ireland as she visited Banbridge Library.
Since opening in 1979, the library has been a ‘vital resource for the people of Banbridge, providing access to books, information, and a welcoming space for learning and connection’.
She joined a group of children in the kids’ area for a reading of Peanut Gets His Sparkle Back by local author Kate Russell, who was also in attendance.
The royal couple beamed as they explored the town of Banbridge – with Charles, 76, meeting local business representatives while his wife joined children from the area for a reading at the library, and dished out some cake
She joined a group of children in the kids’ area for a reading of Peanut Gets His Sparkle Back by local author Kate Russell, who was also in attendance
The King and Queen appeared to be in high spirits as they took on their third day of engagements in Northern Ireland this morning
The group were commemorating a ‘Love your Library’ day, which saw the Queen – a know lover of reading – talk to those in attendance about their favourite books.
She also took part in a ‘Craft and Chatter Group’, which discussed how communal activities can help tackle loneliness.
To conclude the gathering, Camilla was all smiles as she was welcomed to cut a cake from a local bakery.
The Queen was sophisticated as ever in a sapphire blue dress for the occasion, adding a pop of colour to the otherwise cloudy weather.
She styled her platinum blonde hair in its signature look, and opted for black suede boots.
Her make-up was effortlessly sophisticated, with dark mascara and pink lipstick, while the royal kept the accessories minimal and elegant.
The Queen was sophisticated as ever in a sapphire blue dress for the occasion, adding a pop of colour to the otherwise cloudy weather
She styled her platinum blonde hair in its signature look, and opted for black suede boots. Her make-up was effortlessly sophisticated, with dark mascara and pink lipstick, while the royal kept the accessories minimal and elegant
They were then seen amid crowds of wellwishers sporting Union Jacks while enjoying a walkabout
King Charles pictured chatting with members of the public during a walkabout in Northern Ireland
Camilla was effortlessly elegant in some leather gloves as she enjoyed the walkabout this afternoon
A beaming Camilla spoke to children holding Union Jacks during the walkabout on Friday afternoon
Charles was dapper in a charcoal grey suit, sporting a pink handkerchief – which he topped with a brown coat
Elsewhere, Charles was dapper in a charcoal grey suit, sporting a pink handkerchief.
They were then seen amid crowds of wellwishers sporting Union Jacks while enjoying a walkabout.
It’s been a busy week for the royal couple, who arrived in the Irish capital on Wednesday in preparation for a series of afternoon engagements, which included meeting local hospitality workers and touring a sports complex and women’s community centre.
Yesterday, they warmed their cockles with a little drink as they arrived in Belfast on a whirlwind trip of Northern Ireland.
The couple beamed as they stepped out into the March sunshine, with Camilla opting for a festive bottle green dress on the week in which people around the world celebrated St Patrick’s Day.
Charles looked dashing in a navy blue pinstripe and royal blue tie with tiny crosses emblazoned on the front.
Embracing the mild Spring weather, both appeared to shed their coats before setting foot on the historic street, where well wishers greeted the royal couple with an armful of daffodils.
They were greeted by music from a sea shanty band and met dignitaries including Sinn Fein MP John Finucane. Jim Ingram, manager of Friend of Hand Whiskey Shop, handed the King a celebratory bottle.
The Causeway Shantymen performed ‘Drunken Sailor’ to their royal guests. Greeting the 20 performers Charles joked: ‘You are only here for the whiskey anyway.’
As Camilla paused to admire the daffodils, she carefully plucked one and tucked it into Charles’s lapel, adding a vibrant touch that made the monarch look perfectly suited for spring.
Meanwhile, the Queen, 77, took in the service’s offered by Libraries Northern Ireland as she visited Banbridge Library
Since opening in 1979, the library has been a ‘vital resource for the people of Banbridge, providing access to books, information, and a welcoming space for learning and connection’
She joined a group of children in the kids’ area for a reading of Peanut Gets His Sparkle Back by local author Kate Russell, who was also in attendance – and then cut some cake
Camilla pictured enjoying her visit to the library this afternoon, as she chatted with other attendees
The royal beamed as she greeted local residents during her visit to the library in Banbridge today
Camilla chatted to residents about local community initiatives offered in the library during her visit
She also took part in a ‘Craft and Chatter Group’, which discussed how communal activities can help tackle loneliness
The monarch was pictured smiling as he met with people at the Old Town Hall, including individuals from the creative industries – including some of those involved in the Game of Thrones studio tour available nearby, as well as staff from the Southern Regional College and Total Hockey
The venue is also home to a recently opened Community Advice Centre which provides free, confidential information and advice to support residents living in the Borough
Charles was seen listening attentively as he shook hands with attendees, and it is understood that Camilla will have the opportunity to speak to staff who deliver these services and understand the importance of the centre to the local community
Charles visited the Old Town Hall to celebrate the local businesses, heritage, arts and culture during an official visit to Northern Ireland
The two were pictured arriving at Commercial Court located in the heart of Belfast, where seen romantically ambling along the historic cobbled alleyway.
Dotted with eye-catching red benches and colourful umbrellas strung between buildings, Commercial Court is famed for its stunning visuals and was even awarded Belfast’s ‘most beautiful street’ in 2022.
Charles and Camilla were pictured sharing an intimate conversation on Commercial Court road as they stood below the striking sky of multicoloured umbrellas.
The monarch hailed the spirit of ‘keeping on going’ as he and his wife celebrated the local cultural and community of Belfast by downing a dram of whiskey – although it looked slightly too strong for Camilla’s palate.
They were greeted by a number of locals, including those representing tourism, hospitality and the arts in the area. They also met with creator of the city’s famous umbrellas.
Strolling down one of the city’s most historic entries, the royal duo were led by Willie Jack, who has been part of Belfast’s hospitality workforce for more than four decades, and who was awarded an MBA for her services to the industry.
Willie and his wife, Joanne have worked to collaborate with neighbouring businesses in run-down areas to grow a bustling and vibrant spot for locals and tourists alike.
As they chatted with locals, one well wisher offered Camilla a bunch of daffodils which she was pictured lovingly admiring.
During the visit to Commercial Court, the pair paused for a pit stop at a local pub, The Friend at Hand, where they visited the tasting room and were treated to a selection of whiskeys.
The two were picture smiling cheekily at once another as they clinked their glasses before sampling the drinks.
They then headed down to Sea Holly Gallery, which was founded in 2019 to help promote the work of artists from across Northern Ireland.
Meandering through the gallery, the royals were treated to the sounds of traditional Irish music and they admired the work of local painters.
They were shown paintings of locals included barbers, police officers and a window cleaner. They chatted to the locals who say for their portraits during the tour.
Circus performers Professor H and Igor – who run the nearby ‘Circusfall’ clown school for children and adults – put on an acrobatic stunt which impressed the royal couple.
Speaking afterwards Professor H, real name Hillias Smith, said: ‘The King said keeping on going does you good.’
The King and Queen then unveiled a plaque to make their visit.
