The King and Queen began a surprise three-day visit to Northern Ireland with a lively start in Belfast, where they danced, played traditional Irish bodhran drums, and sampled whiskey. The couple joined performers and organisers to mark Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's largest festival of traditional Irish music, song and dance, which will be held in the city for the first time this August.
Charles and Camilla were greeted by more than 200 performers at Thompson Dock, the site where the Titanic was last on dry land in 1911. They were serenaded with an instrumental version of 'I’ll Tell Me Ma', and local schoolchildren playing instruments including whistles and a harp performed as the couple walked along, thanking them. Groups of dancers from diverse backgrounds, including Mexican, Polish, and the Multi Ethnic Sports and Culture Northern Ireland, also performed.
As a drummer played, Charles, 77, tapped his feet and moved rhythmically. He was hugged warmly by Tendai Nyamayaro, 38, originally from Zimbabwe, who said afterwards: “The King’s got rhythm! … Showing up to celebrate our different cultures here in Belfast.” The couple also watched traditional Irish music and dancing, and played a bodhran drum before thanking the dancers. Charles asked them: “Are you all professionals?” and looked shocked when told they were amateurs.
The King and Queen then visited Titanic Distillers, housed in a restored Edwardian pumphouse. After a tour of the copper stills, they tried two types of whiskey. Camilla raised her eyebrows but gamely took a sip, saying: “I’ve got to get to my next engagement.” She described it as “delicious. But quite strong! It’s nice and warming.” She warned her husband, who also sampled it. The couple were given a bottle of five-year-old Pot Still, glasses, a commemorative coin, and flowers.
Later, Charles met participants in the W5 LIFE initiative, which supports Northern Ireland’s digital economy. He was offered a hip hop dance lesson and accepted a beaded bag charm for his granddaughter, Princess Charlotte. Jamie Fagan, a King’s Trust ambassador who founded Urban Motion, performed with young dancers, and the King appeared fascinated.
