The Queen has made a surprising admission about what she gets up to once the palace doors are closed.
As she visited Northern Ireland, Queen Camilla met women enjoying watercolour painting.
Her Majesty confessed that she loved the pursuit too – while it’s well known that King Charles enjoys painting, his wife’s skills with the brush are less talked about.
(Royal Family/ Instagram)
However, there may be a good reason for that as The Queen confided that ”I used to do it a lot but I don’t have the time now.”
Queen Camilla made the revelation as she visited Atlas Women’s Centre, an adult training, learning and support centre that helps local women who need support, particularly those living in domestic violence situations.
Supporting women who have been abused in their homes and in relationships is a long held cause of Queen Camilla.
During her visit, Her Majesty met those running the centre as well as key volunteers, and joined in a session of the Stitching and Sewing Group and the Atlas Sing, Sign, Strum Group to learn how the programmes provide support and outlets for the women.
(Royal Family/ Instagram)
In a meeting survivors in the gardens, Queen Camilla told them that it’s important to be able to share their life stories. As she unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit, The Queen said that she thought the Atlas Women’s Centre “should be cloned” and called it a “very happy place.”
The visit came as The King and Queen arrived in Belfast. Their first stop had been the famous umbrella street in the heart of Northern Ireland’s capital. They enjoyed a sunny stroll underneath the colourful umbrellas as they toured the Cathedral Quarter, now a buzzing must see for tourists and residents alike and filled with cultural hotspots, famous bars and celebrated restaurants.
(Royal Family X / Fair Use)
The King paid a solo visit to the Newforge Sports Complex and Event Hub which is a base for the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Athletic Association. During his visit, King Charles presented the Peer Support and Wellbeing Volunteer awards to several members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
King Charles met representatives of Ulster Rugby, the Irish Football Association, and the Gaelic Athletic Association to learn about the cross-community links that have been built through the venue’s support. The King also watched a showcase of rugby, football, and hockey drills on the outdoor pitch.
At Hillsborough Castle, The King and Queen met the First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill of Sinn Fein with His Majesty greeting her in Irish, saying ”Tráthnóna maith, a Chéad Aire,” which translates to “Good afternoon, First Minister.”
(Royal Family/ Instagram)
Michelle O’Neill later posted of their meeting on X, writing: “We greeted each other in Irish and spoke of our shared respect for language, culture and identity. We discussed the importance of positive Irish and British relations as change happens across our society. As First Minister, I will work tirelessly every day to represent all our people and communities.”
The King and Queen also met the Deputy First Minister, the DUP’s Emma Little-Pengelly, at Hillsborough.
This visit is King Charles’s first to Belfast since 2023. Queen Camilla paid a solo visit last year while the King was receiving cancer treatments. The Palace wrote that the royals received a “jolly welcome” for their visit.
