King Charles demonstrated his musical talents during the final day of his three-day Northern Ireland tour with Queen Camilla.
The monarch picked up a ukulele and surprised everyone with an impressive solo at Ards Allotments near Newtownards in County Down.
He joined more than a dozen members of the Loughries Men’s Shed Ukulele Ensemble, holding the instrument to his ear and strumming along in a manner reminiscent of the legendary George Formby.
“There’s a marvellous organisation called the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain it’s fantastic,” the King remarked to the group.
When one enthusiastic player suggested he might secure them a booking at the Palladium, Charles responded with good humour: “It’s such a great instrument. Do you remember the words? Wait ’til you get to my age!”
The ensemble expressed their gratitude, telling the monarch it had been “a great honour” to perform for him.
Queen Camilla proved equally delighted with her own treat during the visit, savouring a vanilla ice cream cone from Cafolla’s, a local establishment founded over a century ago by Italian immigrant Giuseppe Cafolla.
Michael Cafolla, the current proprietor, presented Her Majesty with a freshly made cone from his mobile cart in Conway Square.
King Charles demonstrated his musical talents during the final day of his three-day Northern Ireland tour with Queen Camilla
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PA
The King picked up a ukulele and surprised eveyone with a solo at Ards Allotments near Newtownards in County Down
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PA
The Queen dipped a wafer into the creamy confection and quipped: “Can I stay here, can I stay and eat it all?”
She described the ice cream as her “lunch” before reluctantly passing it to her equerry, only to retrieve it moments later for another taste.
“We make a fresh batch of ice cream every morning,” Mr Cafolla explained afterwards. “The Queen told me she could stay here a bit longer. It’s amazing she came over and she really enjoyed it.”
The royals undertook separate engagements throughout their busy final day in County Down.
Queen Camilla proved equally delighted with her own treat during the visit, savouring a vanilla ice cream cone from Cafolla’s, a local establishment founded over a century ago by Italian immigrant Giuseppe Cafolla
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PA
His Majesty visited the Warehouse centre in Newtownards, a former public house transformed into a volunteer-run facility offering complimentary food supplies and meals to those in need, where he assisted in mixing a gluten-free chocolate cake.
Meanwhile, the Queen attended a gathering with individuals supporting survivors of domestic abuse, including representatives from Women’s Aid in North Down and Ards, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and Community NI.
Speaking to those assembled, Camilla delivered an impromptu address: “Domestic abuse is coming to the fore more and more, it’s not hidden any longer, it’s talked about, and it’s only through people like all of you that we hopefully can do a lot to put an end to it all with everyone working together.”
Hundreds of well-wishers gathered in Conway Square to catch a glimpse of Their Majesties as they concluded their Northern Ireland tour.
The Queen took time to pose beside a Paddington Bear statue seated on a bench, which has become a popular attraction for visitors to the town
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PA
Among the notable attendees was Rhys McClenaghan, the Newtownards-born gymnast and reigning Olympic pommel horse champion, who brought his gold medal to show the royal couple.
The Queen took time to pose beside a Paddington Bear statue seated on a bench, which has become a popular attraction for visitors to the town.
Camilla also sampled ginger ale from Papa’s Mineral Co, agreeing enthusiastically when someone suggested adding whisky: “Oh yes, that’s the best drink.”
The royal couple separated to greet the substantial crowds, with the Queen stopping to stroke numerous dogs and picking up an eight-month-old shih tzu named Teddy, who promptly licked her face.