King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Belfast at the start of an official visit to Northern Ireland today, where they were greeted with a vibrant celebration of Irish culture.
The King and Queen have kicked off a surprise visit to Northern Ireland today. Charles and Camilla arrived in Belfast for a three-day visit, where they will carry out a string of community engagements.
They began their trip by touring parts of the Titanic Quarter, a major tourist attraction in the city. There, the couple were greeted with a vibrant celebration of the area’s music, creativity and culture.
They joined organisers and performers to mark Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann coming to Belfast this August, for the first time. The Fleadh is the world’s largest festival of traditional Irish music, song and dance.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: "The King and Queen are delighted to be returning to Northern Ireland. This visit will provide Their Majesties with an opportunity to reconnect with the people of Northern Ireland, for whom they hold deep admiration and friendship."
This year marks the first year that the Fleadh has been hosted in Belfast, which is described as representing a significant and historic moment for the city.
The festival will bring thousands of musicians, dancers and visitors to Belfast to shine a spotlight on Northern Ireland and Ireland’s cultural heritage.
