King Charles and Queen Camilla open Coronation Garden on shores of Belfast Lough

King Charles and Queen Camilla are making their first visit to Northern Ireland since the Coronation.

Their Majesties began their two day trip with a visit to Newtownabbey where they opened the newly created Coronation Garden at Hazelbank Park.

The garden, designed by Diarmuid Gavin, opens out from ornate gates bearing the King and Queen’s names with visitors then walking through a wildflower meadow. There is also a planted pavilion, topped with a crown, as well as bushes that spin in time with music.

Set on the shores of Belfast Lough, the garden has been developed using the sustainable gardening principles espoused by King Charles and Queen Camilla.

It includes many native species as well as peat free plants.

On their arrival, the King and Queen were introduced to local school children as well as some of those who have been involved in developing the garden.

They met representatives from local community and charitable organisations as well as North Belfast MP, Sinn Fein’s John Finucane.

The garden is also part of an ongoing environmental initiative in the local area.

They also cut a special cake, baked in the shape of a Crown, to mark the official opening of the Coronation Garden.

Their Majesties then headed to Hillsborough Castle, the official royal residence in Northern Ireland.