On March 20, 2024, Queen Camilla arrived in Northern Ireland for a two-day visit. It was her 22nd trip to the country and her first without her husband, King Charles, who has stepped back from his public duties while he is treated for cancer.
Her last visit to Northern Ireland was in May 2023 with the King. It was their first visit to the region after the coronation. Upon arriving Wednesday evening at Hillsborough Castle, County Down, the Queen undertook a series of engagements.
Her Majesty The Queen has arrived at Hillsborough Castle, ahead of a day of engagements in Northern Ireland tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/jk1mrYQhJS
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 20, 2024
Here is a recap of her entertaining two-day trip:
Toddler steals the show
All eyes were on Queen Camilla during her visit to Belfast until she stopped by the Knotts bakery, one of the local businesses she visited to celebrate Northern Ireland’s artisan and family producers.
While the Queen chatted with Knotts Bakery owner William Corrie and his wife Zoe Salmon, a former Miss Northern Ireland and Blue Peter presenter, their adorable son Fitz stole the spotlight.
Rocking a wee, cute tuxedo, he grinned for the photos as the Queen and his parents watched, looking delighted and amused. “We have a natural for the cameras,” the Queen announced with a smile.
The Queen enjoys Northern Ireland’s literature
Queen Camilla, a well-known lover of literature, attended an event to mark World Poetry Day. The event, titled Northern Ireland: Poets and Their Place, spotlighted Irish literature. Literary enthusiasts and poets attended, including Northern Ireland’s most famous living poet, Michael Longley, who took to the stage to recite his poem Ceasefire.
https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1770929497820295312
At the event, the Queen met with Chris Heaton-Harris, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill, the First Minister of Northern Ireland, and Emma Little-Pengelly, the Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister.
The poetry event was held at Hillsborough Castle, the official royal residence for members of the British royal family in Northern Ireland.
Queen Camilla left Northern Ireland with flowers, get-well cards, and well wishes for the King, as well as a fruit loaf, an iced madeira cake, sausages, and vegetable rolls.
