King learns about latest cancer research in NI visit

King Charles III has learned about groundbreaking research into cancer therapies as part of a second day of engagements in Northern Ireland.

The King was visiting Ulster University's campus in Coleraine where he was told about stimulus-responsive therapeutic technology that is being used to target tumours.

He looked at some of the microbubbles, used to deliver therapies, through a microscope before meeting those who had underwent cancer treatment and unveiling a plaque marking his visit.

Both the King and the Princess of Wales, were treated for cancer last year.

Catherine announced in January that she is in remission, and King Charles is having ongoing treatment.

Ivan McMinn, chair of the Northern Ireland Pancreatic Cancer charity, said meeting the King was a "privilege".

Mr McMinn was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 14 years ago, and has been in remission for 10 years.

"You can just see he is genuinely interested in the combination of research and government departments working with people with lived experience, and the magic sauce to bring all that together for the betterment of patients across all cancers," he told the PA News Agency.

The King and Queen Camilla started their second day in Northern Ireland in the north west, where they were welcomed by members of the local community in Market Street, Limavady.

Young and old lined the streets to wave Union flags and cheered as the royal couple arrived.

Among the crowd was six-year-old cocker spaniel Lily, whose owner Nadine Connor dressed her in a knitted crown for the occasion.

Lily was wearing a handmade, knitted crown and Union Jack harness for the occasion and has "never had as much attention", according to her owner.

Ms Connor described the meeting as a "blur" with the King and Queen taking "great amusement" in the dog's appearance.

"The King is somebody that I have so much admiration for, for all the work that he does, and I think I was just all inspired," she told BBC Foyle's North West Today programme.

"It was just absolutely lovely to be so close to him and shake his hand. It meant a lot, I have to say."

The royal couple's tour of the town included a visit to a local business, Hunters Bakery, which is 200 years old.

Inside, the King and Queen met long-serving staff, some of which have worked there for 40 years, and were also treated to a demonstration of how to make Ulster Scots crumpets.

They both took turns at flipping crumpets.

The couple also cut a cake to mark the 200th anniversary of the business, with both ensuring they had a taste before saying their farewells.

The King and Queen then took a brief walk along Market Street.

They then moved to Roe Valley Arts and Culture Centre, where they viewed a presentation of arts, including glass work, photography, a willow artist and ceramicist.

Hosted by Leona Kane, the King and Queen then undertook a short tour of Broighter Gold.

Broighter Gold was established 14 years ago and is now one of the UK's best-known rapeseed oil suppliers.

The business is named after the Broighter 'Hoard of gold', which was discovered on their land in 1896.

They then moved to Roe Valley Arts and Culture Centre, where they viewed a presentation of arts, including glass work, photography, a willow artist and ceramicist.

Among those the couple met was award-winning photographer Cathal McNaughton, who showed King and Queen a picture he took of the late Queen Elizabeth II holding an umbrella at the opening of the Lawn Tennis Association's headquarters in London when he worked for the Press Association.

The King appeared visibly pleased to see the photograph of his late mother.

Willow artist Louise McLean, who worked on the Windsor Garden arches for the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation, said she spoke to the King about the making of woven bee skeps.

Ms McLean said the King and Queen kept engaging in the conversation about her work.

"It was so lovely, I have to say they were much more personable and down-to-earth than I could ever have imagined," she said.

Outside the centre, the couple watched the Conductology Orchestra, made up of musicians with and without additional needs, who performed a rendition of Danny Boy.

The royals then took part in another walkabout as well-wishers gathered outside the centre.

The King and Queen began their visit to Northern Ireland on Wednesday, meeting musicians and artists in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter before travelling to south Belfast and Lisburn respectively.

Later, King Charles held a private meeting with First and Deputy First Ministers Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly at Hillsborough Castle.