King Charles III, Queen Camilla Visit Northern Ireland As Part Of U.K. Tour
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are traveling across the United Kingdom for the first time as the new British Monarch and Queen Consort. They traveled to Belfast as part of the trip earlier on Tuesday.
It comes days after Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral in Scotland. Following her passing, the Heir Apparent automatically became the new Monarch of the United Kingdom.
People said the royal couple arrived at Hillsborough Castle, where they saw tributes left in honor of the late British Monarch, including notes and flowers. As noted, they also greeted well-wishers who lined up outside the castle.
Tuesday’s trip heard King Charles III give a speech, as well. In response to the public’s support and tributes, he said he can only “offer the most heartfelt thanks for [their] condolences.”
The new British Monarch also stated that meeting them at Hillsborough is only “fitting.” He explained that Queen Elizabeth II “knew [it] so well,” adding that she always took pleasure in its beautiful rose garden.
Express UK, in its recent piece covering the trip to Northern Ireland, quoted the King’s speech, saying, “In the years since she began her long life of public service, my mother saw Northern Ireland pass through momentous and historic changes."
"Through all those years, she never ceased to pray for the best of times for this place and for its people, whose stories she knew, whose sorrows our Family had felt, and for whom she had a great affection and regard.”
It continues, “My mother felt deeply, I know, the significance of the role she herself played in bringing together those whom history had separated, and in extending a hand to make possible the healing of long-held hurts.”
King Charles III also stated that Queen Elizabeth II “made a pledge to dedicate herself to her country and her people.” He added that the late royal also vowed “to maintain the principles of constitutional government,” noting that she made the pledges “at the very beginning of her life of service.”
The new British Monarch later asserted the Queen kept this promise “with steadfast faith.” He consequently said, “Now, with that shining example before [him], and with God’s help,” he takes up his “new duties resolved to seek the welfare of all the inhabitants of Northern Ireland.”
The trip to Northern Ireland is only one of the legs of King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s tour as the new British Monarch and Queen Consort. Reports said they will visit all four countries that make up the United Kingdom up to the late monarch’s funeral, which will occur on September 19.
The royal couple had engagements in Scotland on Monday before traveling to Northern Ireland. They are said to visit Wales on Friday.