'A hugely exciting day for 2,500 people': Visits from King Charles and Queen Camilla delighted thousands
The King and Queen’s visit to Newtownards was “a hugely exciting day” for the 2,500 delighted people who welcomed them to the Co Down town.
That’s according to area mayor Gillian McCollum, who was speaking after the royal couple’s three-day visit to Northern Ireland culminated with a huge crowd cheering them as they toured a market of local producers and crafters in Conway Square.
“This visit has shone a spotlight on the very best of our borough,” said Ms McCollum, “from our thriving town centre and independent traders to the exceptional creativity of our local makers.
“We were delighted to welcome their majesties to Conway Square and to showcase the people and businesses who make this such a vibrant and special place.”
The three-day tour began on Tuesday with the royal couple playing bodhran drums, meeting with bandsmen, and sampling a dram of Belfast whiskey at the city’s Titanic drydock, before His Majesty went to the SSE Arena to meet young people whose lives he has changed through his charity the King’s Trust, while Queen Camilla visited a primary school noted for its diverse enrolment.
On Wednesday, King Charles had an unfortunate encounter with a seagull in Newcastle before visiting a community cinema, while the Queen went to the province’s place with the greatest royal connections, Hillsborough village in Co Down, where she showcased an unexpected skill in pouring a pint of Guinness. The couple regrouped for a garden party for forces personnel and community heroes at Northern Ireland’s official royal residence, Hillsborough Castle.
Thursday found the King strumming on a ukulele on a Newtownards allotment before helping to bake a ‘VIP dessert’ at a community centre that tackles food poverty, after which the royal couple bade farewell to Ulster at Conway Square – where they also met Olympic hero Rhys McClenaghan.