Several senior members of the Royal Family have been travelling on Friday and Saturday of this Platinum Jubilee weekend to represent The Queen in all Four Nations. The Earl and Countess of Wessex headed to Northern Ireland to take part in community events and Jubilee celebrations.
The Earl and Countess went to Belfast on Saturday morning to take part in a 1950s-themed street party on Royal Avenue. The event is celebrating the changes that Belfast has seen over the 70 years of The Queen’s reign, and they were able to hear the stories of different communities, as well chatting with street performers including the Belfast Busking Band.
The couple split up to meet different people. Sophie, who has become known for her bold sense of style over the last decade, viewed a display of fashion throughout The Queen’s reign and made Jubilee-themed crafts of crowns and corgis with local children. Edward spent time talking with older members of the community at the party; Age Friendly Belfast works to bring people together at events like this, and to enhance quality of life for everyone as they age.
Edward and Sophie then went to Bangor in Co. Down to celebrate. Bangor was granted city status for the Platinum Jubilee.
The pair went to a beachfront fair celebrating the Jubilee and Bangor’s new status. They were able to see vehicles from the last 70 years, and met with more community members.
They then split up again, with Sophie following in Prince Charles’s dancing footsteps and taking part in a 1950s and 1960s dance competition and Edward visiting a pop-up 1950s diner. Being a good sport, he pulled a Guinness for a customer.
The Earl and Countess then took to the kitchen for a cooking competition where they both made scrambled eggs. Professional chef Jean Christophe Novelli judged the competition, deeming it a tie.
