‘Monarchy will flourish under King Charles’: Sir Jeffrey Donaldson

The DUP leader met King Charles at Hillsborough Castle on Tuesday and, as a member of the monarch’s Privy Council, was present as Her Majesty’s coffin was carried into Westminster Hall yesterday for a formal Lying-in-State.

“It was great to have our new King visit Northern Ireland so early in his reign, indeed within days of acceding to the throne. I think this indicates his affection for Northern Ireland, and his desire to maintain the unity of the United Kingdom – the fact that he is visiting all parts of the UK.

“It was also a very moving occasion as we reflected on the life of a wonderful lady, Queen Elizabeth II, who gave so many years of wise and dutiful service to our nation. And I think the monarchy is in a good place as a result of the success of her reign and the determination of our new King to follow in her footsteps, and to build upon the very solid ground that she has left as her legacy,” he said.

The Privy Council serves as the monarch’s advisory body with Privy Counsellors appointed by the Prime Minister.

Mr Donaldson added: “People in Northern Ireland can be reassured by that continuity, and at the same time, we have seen also that people right across the community in Northern Ireland have recognised the contribution of Her Majesty the Queen to building a better future for everyone in Northern Ireland.

“And that was reflected in the representation from all of the main political parties to pay their respects to our new King, and to convey their condolences on the loss of his mother.

“As a unionist and a monarchist, I think that whilst we greatly mourn the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, I am a reassured that the future of our Kingdom and the monarchy is secure.”

Mr Donaldson also said the mood in London has been respectfully sombre ahead of the state funeral on Monday.

“Today I was in Westminster Hall for the arrival of Her Majesty’s remains, and the beginning of the period of Lying-in-State, and I know there are many people from Northern Ireland who are planning to travel to London to pay their respects to Her Majesty – not only by attending at the Lying-in-State, but also being there for the funeral. It is a great honour to be included among those who will attend the funeral.

“I think it will be a very solemn occasion for our nation as we together mark the passing of someone who was a constant in our lives, and who made such a remarkable contribution to the stability of our nation.”

Mr Donaldson will be joined by the leaders of Northern Ireland’s other main political parties at Westminster Abbey on Monday. Around four billion people worldwide are expected to be watching on television – the largest ever live television audience.