'We feel very privileged to have her visit': Camilla pulls pint fit for a queen at Royal Hillsborough on second day in Northern Ireland
Her Majesty pulled a pint fit for a queen today, as Camilla popped into a pub in Royal Hillsborough – the place with Northern Ireland’s deepest ties to the throne.
The Co Down village lies next to Hillsborough Castle, the province’s official royal residence.
In fact, today was Queen Camilla’s first time properly seeing the village itself, and she remarked that during her stays in the castle she’d frequently wondered what it was like.
Her arrival was part of a series of events on the second day of a visit to Northern Ireland, which also saw King Charles attend a community cinema and a foodbank in Newcastle before the royal couple came back together for a garden party at Hillsborough Castle.
]In addition to her brief stint behind the bar of the Parson’s Nose, the queen met area business leaders, dropped into the village’s oldest shop, grocer ER Wilson, and was entertained by a choir of children from a local special school, in addition to meeting excited crowds of well-wishers who lined the heart of the small settlement.
Along the way she encountered members of the Hillsborough Fort Guard, who were dressed in 18th century-style military uniforms. Maintaining the area’s military and social history, traditions and culture, the guard carries out ceremonial duties in the village and was last year restored to full strength for the first time in 130 years.
And Her Majesty seemed particularly taken by the pet dogs several well-wishers had brought, giving them a friendly tickle as she passed.
Housed in a building that dates back to the Georgian era, the Parson’s Nose has a reputation as a foodie’s paradise. The first stop on Queen Camilla’s visit this morning, she headed behind the bar to put her Guinness-pouring skills to the test.
Although she declared “I’m not quite the expert, but my husband is”, she received a round of applause as she displayed what looked to be a perfectly poured pint of the black stuff.
Owner Ronan Sweeney was certainly impressed with her abilities.
“She did a very successful pour,” he told the News Letter. “She didn’t need to ask many for advice, is all I’ll say without being too indiscreet.
“We were all honoured, the staff were very excited to meet Her Majesty. She was so warm, so cordial; very relaxed.
“This is the royal seat in Northern Ireland, and certainly we feel very privileged to have her visit today.”
Still, there must be a little-used royal ability that came into play this morning – the power to get a pint before the pubs have opened, as Camilla topped off her stout at around 10.40am.
“The queen was concerned that somebody should put it to good use,” laughed Ronan, “but I had to say that actually, we have to adhere to the local licensing laws.”
Walking around the village, Her Majesty seemed delighted by Suzanne Bowman’s affectionate pet Benji – though she had to warn Queen Camilla there had been one of the typical canine upsets that dog owners have to learn to cope with.
“I’d had him all nice, clean and fluffy an hour ago,” Suzanne told the News Letter, “but we went for a walk in the park and he jumped into the lake, chasing the ducks.
“She said ‘dogs will do that’ – she was lovely, very pleasant, and she got on well with Benji. He’s good with people, though; maybe not always other dogs, but good with people.
“It was lovely to meet her and totally unexpected.”
During her walkabout, Her Majesty received flowers and acknowledged cheers from the crowd. Among those handing over a bouquet were Alexandra Black and her three-year-old, Joanna.
Alexandra said her daughter was “delighted that the queen actually made a point of coming down the road to see us”.
“We thought we might not get to see her but she came down and it has been lovely,” she said.
“We gave her a wee bouquet of flowers which came from the same farm as supplied some of the flowers from the coronation. We wanted to keep up that connection.
“It is nice they always keep coming back to see us in Northern Ireland.”
The mother and daughter left home in Tobermore near Magherafelt at 7am in order to make it to Royal Hillsborough in time, but they were adamant it was worth the effort.
“She was absolutely lovely,” said Alexandra.