Queen and Due arrive for two day visit

The monarch is on her first round of public engagements since the UK voted to leave the European Union.

On what is her 25th visit to Northern Ireland, the Queen is due to hold separate meetings with Stormont First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at Hillsborough Castle on Monday evening.

A crowd of well-wishers gathered at the gates of the Royal residence as the Royal couple arrived.

On Tuesday, the Queen and Philip will head to Northern Ireland’s scenic north coast for a series of engagements.

They will tour the famous Giant’s Causeway stones and also visit the nearby village of Bushmills, where they will unveil a statue to local VC winner Robert Quigg.

The Co Antrim born soldier was awarded the highest military honour for bravery shown during the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

The Royal couple will also attend a reception at Royal Portrush Golf Club. The seaside course is due to host the Open Championship in 2019.

In a full day of engagements, the Queen and the Duke will also take a steam train journey to the newly-opened Bellarena station on the historic Coleraine to Londonderry line.

The trip is the third high-profile Royal visit to Northern Ireland in a matter of weeks, and follows appearances by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall and then the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.