The Queen was given a very warm welcome as she continued her visit to Northern Ireland but was more worried about others being cold.
As Queen Camilla met some of the crowds who had turned out for the last part of this latest royal visit, she spotted some youngsters who were looking rather chilly.
Queen Camilla immediately picked up their hands and rubbed them, to warm them up.
The sweet gesture came as The King and Queen visited Banbridge. There was a big turnout to see the royal visitors who spent quite some time chatting to those who had come along.
(Royal Family Instagram still/ fair use)
King Charles also headed to Banbridge Old Town Hall where he met business leaders and representatives from across the community.
It was a case of Windsor is Coming in a place where Winter is Coming has been vital for the local economy in recent years. The King met some of those who have been involved in creating and filming Game of Thrones.
Other important local services were on show with Queen Camilla meeting staff who deliver advice and support through the recently opened Community Advice Centre which is also based at Banbridge Old Town Hall.
There was also a chance for Queen Camilla, a well known advocate for reading and literacy, to join a Love Your Library Day at Banbridge libary.
(Royal Family Instagram still/ fair use)
The Queen enjoyed an interactive reading session of ‘Peanut Gets His Sparkle Back’ by local author, Kate Russell, before showing off another of her famed skills. Queen Camilla is known for cutting cakes with a flourish and the celebration at Banbridge was no exception.
King Charles and Queen Camilla spent three days in Northern Ireland including a colourful stop in Belfast where they enjoyed the sights of the city’s prettiest street, famously decked with umbrellas. They also met the First Minister, Michelle O’Neill of Sinn Fein, and the Deputy First Minister, the DUP’s Emma Little-Pengelly.
It was The King’s first visit to Northern Ireland since 2023. Queen Camilla made a solo trip in 2024 as King Charles continued his cancer treatment.
