King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Belfast for a series of engagements across the Northern Irish capital.
The royal couple touched down in Belfast on Wednesday afternoon to undertake various visits highlighting local culture, business and community initiatives.
Their Majesties’ schedule includes meetings with representatives from tourism, hospitality and the arts sectors in the heart of Belfast City.
The King and Queen will be splitting up for part of the day to attend separate engagements, allowing them to meet with more local organisations and community members.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Belfast for a series of engagements across the Northern Irish capital, just days after St Patrick’s Day celebrations
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The royal couple began their visit at Commercial Court, an area known as Belfast’s ‘most beautiful street’, with its famous red benches and colourful umbrellas.
They met with Willie Jack, who received an MBE in 2023 for his services to Arts and Tourism in Northern Ireland and has worked in Belfast’s hospitality business for over 40 years.
He has helped transform what was once a run-down area into a thriving community.
Their Majesties spoke with local business owners, tour guides and florists before visiting Sea Holly Gallery, which has supported and promoted local artists from across Northern Ireland since its creation in 2019.
King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down in Belfast on Wednesday afternoon to undertake various visits highlighting local culture, business and community initiatives
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At the gallery, the King and Queen viewed portraits of local people representing Belfast’s diverse culture and workforces, including policemen, tradesmen and community members.
Traditional music played as they toured the exhibition and met some of the portrait sitters.
Following their joint engagements, the royal couple separated for individual visits across Belfast.
King Charles visited Newforge Sports Complex, home to the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Athletic Association, where the monarch observed sports drills including rugby, football, hockey and gaelic games on the lower pitch.
The King spoke with representatives from Ulster Rugby, the Irish Football Association and Gaelic Athletic Association about their cross-community links.
Inside the complex, His Majesty toured the state-of-the-art fitness centre before unveiling a commemorative plaque.
The King concluded his visit by presenting awards to PSNI officers recognised for their work as Peer Support and Wellbeing Volunteers.
King Charles visited Newforge Sports Complex
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Meanwhile, Queen Camilla visited Atlas Women’s Centre, which supports local women with various issues, particularly those experiencing domestic abuse.
Her Majesty joined a Stitching and Sewing Group and helped finish a wall hanging.
The Queen also attended a singing class with the Atlas Sing, Sign, Strum group, which focuses on reducing loneliness in the community.