King Charles III revealed his admiration for the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain during a lively jam session with musicians at a community allotment in Northern Ireland. The monarch, known for his passion for gardening, visited Ards Allotments near Newtownards, County Down, where he was serenaded by the Loughries Men's Ukelele Ensemble. The group presented the King with a ukulele, which he held to his ear and strummed along to a familiar tune.
Royal Encounter with Music and Gardening
After playing, Charles remarked, "There's a marvellous organisation called the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, it's fantastic." One band member jokingly asked if the King could secure them a gig at the Palladium, prompting laughter from Charles. He added, "It's such a great instrument. Do you remember the words? Wait 'til you get to my age." The musicians expressed their honour at performing for him, with Charles graciously responding, "You're very kind."
The allotments were established in 2006 by Maurice Patton, who was inspired by a televised visit from the then Prince of Wales to Vista Allotments in Dundonald 22 years ago. Patton recalled telling the King, "I thought, that's not a bad business idea." Starting with 20 plots, Ards Allotments now boasts 104. Patton's wife, Judith, noted Charles was the "instigator" of the project. The King shared gardening tips with plot owners, praising the taste of homegrown carrots and discussing the health benefits of horticulture.
Community and Camaraderie
Charles engaged with various plot holders, including a group from the NHS South Eastern Trust's Bahamas project, emphasizing the positive impact of gardening on wellbeing. He joked with 77-year-old Trevor Rea about their shared birth year, saying, "Join the club." The King also visited a plot managed by Decorum NI, which supports military personnel from the Troubles era, and admired women wearing elaborate homemade hats, quipping, "The great thing is that I can't miss you." He discussed potato varieties, expressing a love for waxy Maris Pipers, and commended the allotment's strict weed policy.
As he departed, the band gave three cheers, and Judith Patton complimented his aftershave, to which Charles laughed, "Success at last! Citrus tones." The King and Queen Camilla are on a tour of Northern Ireland, highlighting rural businesses and local heroes.
Queen Camilla's Pub Visit
Earlier, Queen Camilla pulled a perfect pint of Guinness at The Parson's Nose pub in Hillsborough, earning applause from staff. She insisted the King was the real expert. The royal couple also hosted a garden party at Hillsborough Castle, planting a Malus Royalty crab apple tree and meeting 500 guests. Camilla reunited with officers from the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, expressing joy at their safe return from Iraq.
