British Royals

Sophie pays a surprise visit to Northern Ireland and meets graduates inspired by Queen Elizabeth II

By
4th March 2026
Sophie’s surprise visit to Northern Ireland was her first solo visit to the region in nearly a decade, and she jam-packed her day full of engagements to greet her patronages and members of the public. The Duchess of Edinburgh officially opened the Randalstown location of the National Autistic Society and met with families who will be supported by the space. The National Autistic Society…
Read more
Royal News

In Northern Ireland, the Prince and Princess of Wales learn the innovative way firefighters are being trained

By
14th October 2025
The Prince and Princess of Wales—or as they’re known in Northern Ireland, Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus—arrived in Northern Ireland for a royal away day. Their day in Northern Ireland has been billed as a visit to “innovative organisations that showcase growth and investment in rural areas” and one that demonstrates “entrepreneurial and creative opportunities for young people”…
Read more
British Royals

The controversial Northern Ireland castle that's not a true castle

By
26th August 2023
Hillsborough Castle lies in the village of Royal Hillsborough in the northwest of County Down in Northern Ireland. While the official government residence might look the part of a royal castle, it’s anything but. The Georgian county house was built in the 18th century for the Hill family, Marquesses of Downshire, who owned it until 1922. At that point, The 7th Marquess of Downshire sold the…
Read more
Features

A royal residence reveals new way to display The King’s cypher

By
25th February 2023
When King Charles III began his reign there was talk of how many items will need to be updated with his new cypher. But one place has been updated that was never mentioned: a royal garden! Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in Northern Ireland announced on Twitter that it has begun the installation process in it’s north forecourt. Grass has been carefully removed and it appears the cypher will…
Read more