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King Charles meets first minister during NI royal visit

Bernie Allen
BBC News NI
PA Media A man and woman sit in green leather chairs, looking at the camera. The woman, who sits on the left, is wearing a green shirt with a navy suit, she wears black high heels. The man wears a blue pinstripe suit with a blue tie and white shirt. He has a yellow flower in his lapel. Behind them is a white wall with three framed paintings. In between them are two small brown, round tables. In front of them sits a green table with crystal whiskey glasses and jug. PA Media
The King spoke a few words in Irish with Michelle O'Neill at Hillsborough Castle

King Charles III and Queen Camilla have made an official visit to Northern Ireland.

The visit included a private meeting with First and Deputy First Ministers Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly at Hillsborough Castle.

O'Neill has already met King Charles on several occasions.

The King greeted the first minister in Irish saying: 'Tráthnóna maith, a Chéad Aire.' [Good afternoon, first minister.]

She replied: 'Tráthnóna maith duitse fosta. Cad é mar atá tú?' [Good afternoon to you too. How are you?]

PA Media A dark haired woman in a white suit and blue shirt converses with a man in a blue suit and white shirt and a white haired woman in a green suit. Behind them are gold framed paintings and two green leather chairs. The man has short grey hair and a yellow flower on his lapel. PA Media
The royal pair also met Deputy First Minister Emma-Little Pengelly

On Wednesday morning the King and Queen visited Commercial Court, which was ranked as the most attractive street in Northern Ireland in 2022.

In Belfast the King and Queen were greeted by Lord Mayor Micky Murray, High Sheriff Fiona McAteer and MP John Finucane.

They then visited the Sea Holly Gallery to view artwork that features Belfast's musicians and artists.

The gallery supports and promotes local artists from across Northern Ireland.

PA Media The King and Queen tasting whiskey in a wood panelled bar. The Queen is wearing a green dress with a brooch and she has blonde shoulder length hair. The King is wearing a blue pinstripe suit, a white shirt. He has white short hair. PA Media
King Charles III and Queen Camilla tasted whiskey at The Friend at Hand during the visit to Commercial Court

In the afternoon King Charles visited the Newforge complex, which houses conference and sporting facilities.

The aim of the visit was to showcase the strong links between Newforge and the PSNI, and the shared objectives of the advancement of sport for all and promoting community.

Reuters King Charles and Queen Camilla during a visit to Commercial Court, Belfast. The street has a cobbled ground, the buildings either side have red benches outside and flower baskets hang outside. A group of people are to the left watching the King and Queen walk down the street. The king has white hair, wearing a blue pin stripe suit with light blue pocket square, white shirt and blue polka dot tie. The queen has blonde hair, wearing a green coat gold bird brooch, black gloves, and carrying a black clutch. Reuters
At Commercial Court, in Belfast city centre, the King and Queen met representatives from tourism, hospitality and the arts

Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long was amongst those waiting to greet him as he arrived and said the visit was a "boost for everyone and he was genuinely interested in the work that the police do."

Lady Mary Peters was also in attendance.

Reuters King Charles visits Newforge LaneReuters
King Charles meets PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher

King Charles presented a team PSNI award and told the crowd it was a "marvellous opportunity" to see so many serving with the PSNI.

"It's so reassuring to know that you are there. My opportunity today is to say thank you for all your service," he said.

"I don't take for granted what you do.We owe you collectively an enormous debt of gratitude," he added,

Chairperson of east Belfast GAA, Kimberley Robertson, also met the King at the event and told him about hurling.

"It's very important for him to come and see the diversity of the sport here at Newforge," she added.

PA Media The King and Queen watch circus performers Mr H and Igor who are depicted in a portrait during a visit to the Sea Holly Gallery in Belfast on the first day of their visit to Northern Ireland.PA Media
The King and Queen watch circus performers Mr H and Igor who are depicted in a portrait during a visit to the Sea Holly Gallery in Belfast

At Commercial Court, in the heart of Belfast city centre, the King and Queen met groups of people, including representatives from tourism, hospitality and the arts, with a backdrop of local music on Wednesday morning.

They were hosted by Willie Jack, who has worked in Belfast's hospitality business for more than 40 years.

The King and Queen spoke to business owners, local tour guides and florists.

While the King visited Newforge the Queen visited a community centre in Lisburn which supports women - Atlas (Adult Training Learning and Support) Women's Centre.

Here the Queen attended a singing group, and heard about the support groups the organisation offers.