King Charles and Queen Camilla visit Belfast

King Charles III and Queen Camilla have made an official visit to Northern Ireland.

On Wednesday morning the King and Queen visited Commercial Court, which was ranked as the most attractive street in Northern Ireland in 2022.

They were greeted by Lord Mayor Micky Murray, High Sheriff Fiona McAteer and MP John Finucane.

They then visited the Sea Holly Gallery to view artwork that features Belfast’s musicians and artists.

In the afternoon King Charles visited the Newforge complex, which houses conference and sporting facilities.

The aim of the visit was to showcase the strong links between Newforge and the PSNI, and the shared objectives of the advancement of sport for all and promoting community.

Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long was amongst those waiting to greet him as he arrived and said the visit was a “boost for everyone and he was genuinely interested in the work that the police do.”

Dame Mary Peters was also in attendance.

King Charles presented a team PSNI award and told the crowd it was a “marvellous opportunity” to see so many serving with the PSNI.

“It’s so reassuring to know that you are there. My opportunity today is to say thank you for all your service,” he said.

“I don’t take for granted what you do.We owe you collectively an enormous debt of gratitude,” he added,

Chairperson of east Belfast GAA, Kimberley Robertson, also met the King at the event and told him about hurling.

“It’s very important for him to come and see the diversity of the sport here at Newforge,” she added.

At Commercial Court, in the heart of Belfast city centre, the King and Queen met groups of people, including representatives from tourism, hospitality and the arts, with a backdrop of local music on Wednesday morning.

They were hosted by Willie Jack, who has worked in Belfast’s hospitality business for more than 40 years.

The King and Queen spoke to business owners, local tour guides and florists.

At the Sea Holly Gallery, which supports and promotes local artists from across Northern Ireland, The King and Queen viewed portraits as well as meeting local artists.

While the King visited Newforge the Queen visited a community centre in Lisburn which supports women – Atlas (Adult Training Learning and Support) Women’s Centre.