The King and Queen visit Northern Ireland: Day 2

The King and Queen have begun Their Majesties’ second day of engagements in Northern Ireland.

In Armagh, The King is visiting St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, where His Majesty will meet representatives from the Church of Ireland, the Roman Catholic Church, the Presbyterian Church, the Methodist Church and the Irish Council of Churches. The Cathedral Choir will sing an ‘Irish Blessing’ before the five Church Leaders offer a prayer.

The Queen will continue Her Majesty’s work to foster a love of reading across all ages at Armagh Robinson Library, which is home to a number of local archaeological items, historical archives and fine art, as well as books. Her Majesty will see Jonathan Swift’s own, annotated, copy of his book ‘Gulliver’s Travels’, and meet children taking part in library-themed crafts, as well as volunteers from Dementia Friendly Museums.

Following Their Majesties’ engagements at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral and the Armagh Robinson Library, The King and The Queen will together proceed to the Market Square where there will be a Celebration of Culture taking place, showcasing Ulster-Scots, Irish, Chinese and South Asian cultures, and featuring traditional music, song and dance.

The King will meet representatives of The Prince’s Trust working in Northern Ireland, while The Queen will meet members of Knit and Natter, a group established during Covid by a lady who began knitting headbands for charity. The group has now raised nearly £70,000 for Breast Cancer and their local hospice.

Together, Their Majesties will meet characters representing legendary and historical characters associated with Armagh, sample local delicacies and meet artisanal food producers, before proceeding to the stage to meet the performers.

The King and Queen will have the opportunity to meet members of the public before departing.

At Enniskillen Castle, The King and Queen will meet representatives from across the community, voluntary and heritage sectors in Fermanagh in celebration of Their Majesties’ Coronation. The King and Queen will join children who will be taking part in ‘The Kindness Postbox’ initiative, writing letters to residents of local nursing homes, who will also be present at the Castle. The King and Queen will then meet guests at a Big Lunch taking place. Her Majesty has been Patron of the Big Lunch since 2013, and Members of the Royal Family attended events on 6th May to celebrate Their Majesties’ Coronation. 

His Majesty will meet representatives from voluntary organisations who participated in the Coronation Big Help Out earlier this month, before The King and Queen proceed to the waterfront where activities will be taking place, and meet representatives of the RNLI who are celebrating their 200th anniversary.  Their Majesties will also hear about the importance of the agricultural sector to the region, from the Fermanagh’s Young Farmers Society.

ENDS