Live: King Charles and Queen Camilla kick off their final day in Northern Ireland
King Charles and Queen Camilla are to wrap up their visit to Belfast (Northern Ireland), which began on May 19. A highlight of the trip was Charles playing the bodhrán, a traditional Irish hand drum, at a celebration ahead of the first-ever All-Ireland Fleadh to be held in Belfast this August.
Started 1 hour ago·7 updates
What we know so far
The couple arrived at the Titanic Quarter, meeting performers ahead of Belfast's first-ever All-Ireland Fleadh in August
They were received by Northern Ireland's First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, and Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly
Charles joined traditional Irish dancers before playing the bodhrán alongside performers
Camilla visited Fane Street Primary School, where 285 pupils represent 45 countries and speak 47 languages
The couple toured distilleries and sampled Irish whiskey during their engagements
King Charles and Queen Camilla recreate Queen Elizabeth's iconic moment
Everyone remembers the moment when the late Queen Elizabeth chose to cut a cake with a large sword, instead of a knife. "This is something that is more unusual," she had quipped.
While they may not have opted for a sword, King Charles and Queen Camilla did cut a cake together at The Warehouse after meeting with the staff and volunteers there. And it certainly reminded fans of the beloved monarch's hilarious moment.
After trying to be a musician, King Charles took on the challenge to prepare a chocolate cake next!
The King and Queen visited The Warehouse, a former hub now transformed into a community hub that provides free food supplies, hot and take-home meals, skills classes, and access to free clothing and household essentials. Charles even helped out in the kitchen by stirring a pot full of gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
Queen Camilla poses with Northern Ireland's favorite bear, Paddington
The Queen stopped to pose with the town's beloved Paddington Bear statue, Northern Ireland's only stop on the UK-wide Paddington Visits trail. Students clutching teddies turned out to greet her, making for one of the sweetest moments of the entire three-day royal visit.
It has been a rather musical tour for King Charles in Northern Ireland. On his first day in Belfast, he attempted to play the traditional Irish drum, the bodhran, and on his final day of the trip, he tried his hand at the ukulele. The King, who has always been inclined towards music and art, must have had a gala time in the past three days! And it showed in his wide grin!
Queen Camilla takes her cause to front lines with women's aid visit
Queen Camilla began her last day in Northern Ireland on a poignant note. She met with survivors of domestic abuse supported by Women's Aid in Newtownards. She thanked the staff and volunteers at the center in an impromptu speech, saying their work is "more important than ever". The monarch also met with agencies and organizations, including PSNI, food banks, and Community NI. "I think that’s what is needed all over the country. Thank you very much," she finished her speech to applause.
King Charles starts off his day with a visit to Ards Allotment
To start his final day in Northern Ireland, King Charles went to Ards Allotment, founded by owner Maurice, after watching the King visit an allotment on the news almost two decades ago. Gardening has always been one of Charles’ passions, and it was on display as he met with the community of volunteers, gardeners, and growers who use the Ards Allotment space to grow fresh produce and build social connections.
Ira Deokule
