Charles III and Queen Consort arrive in Northern Ireland for his first visit as King - they now travel to Hillsborough Castle
King Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, met some of the hundreds of well-wishers who had gathered in Hillsborough On his first visit to Northern Ireland as King, Charles III said his mother "never ceased to pray for the best of times for this place and its people".
Sinn Féin's Alex Maskey said the Queen recognised how a "small but significant gesture can make a huge difference in changing attitudes".The royal couple then travelled to the royal village of Hillsborough, where hundreds of people had gathered. Hillsborough Castle, the only royal residence in Northern Ireland, has been a focal point for floral tributes. The King met privately with Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and senior representatives from Stormont's political parties. Later, Prime Minister Liz Truss will join the Royal couple for a service in St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast.King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, arrived at Belfast City AirportAmong the earliest to arrive were Sharon Douglas from Carryduff, outside Belfast, and sisters Norma McKinney, Vanessa Patten and Rhonda Irvine, from Ballymena, County Antrim."We wanted to be here early to let him know he's got our support," said Sharon. "It's sad, we want to give him our condolences, but also tell him we're happy for him."A total of 21 rounds, at a rate of six rounds per minute, were fired.Sharon Douglas; Norma McKinney; Rhonda Irvine; Vanessa Patten were among the earliest to arrive in Hillsborough on TuesdayOnce inside, the King and Queen Consort will view photographs showing the Queen in Northern Ireland. When the late Queen began her reign, Northern Ireland was the only part of the UK with a devolved government - made up exclusively of politicians dedicated to the authority of the crown.The principle of devolution is now based on power sharing between unionists and nationalists - though the latest deadlock means the Stormont Executive has not been fully functioning since February.But that advantage has narrowed, mainly because of the growth of parties which are neutral on the constitutional status of Northern Ireland. The biggest individual party in the devolved Assembly is Sinn Féin - whose ultimate aim is taking Northern Ireland out of King Charles's realm.But his decision to visit Northern Ireland and the other devolved nations of the UK in his first few days as monarch will be seen as demonstrating his commitment to the union. Later, the King and Queen Consort will meet leaders from all the major faiths in Northern Ireland before a service of prayer and reflection on the life of Queen Elizabeth II at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast, before travelling through the city centre.At the end of the service, the King and Queen Consort will be escorted to the steps at the west door of the cathedral, where the royal couple may choose to meet members of the public at the Donegall Street end of Writers' Square.This will be His Majesty's 40th trip to Northern Ireland, but his first as King.
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