The King and Queen have arrived in Northern Ireland for an unannounced visit, beginning with a tour of the Titanic Quarter in Belfast. Charles and Camilla explored the area, which is a major tourist attraction, and met organisers and performers ahead of the all-Ireland Fleadh festival.
The Fleadh, the world's largest festival of traditional Irish music, song and dance, will be held in Belfast for the first time this August. The royal couple chatted to those involved in making the event a highlight of the summer, including musician Sharon Shannon and her Big Band, who will headline the main stage outside Belfast City Hall on the opening day.
Other acts performing at the opening ceremony include award-winning group Goitse, the Blackwater Ceili Band, and Belfast ensemble McPeake. The line-up also features school choirs and cross-community and multicultural performances, offering free entertainment and setting the tone for a week of shared celebration across the city.
The festival, running from August 2 to 9, is expected to attract more than 800,000 people. Charles, who made numerous trips to Northern Ireland as Prince of Wales, has now made several visits as King.
