Royal fans of all ages lined the streets of Hillsborough on Tuesday in the hope of meeting King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort. For many, their wish was granted.
"We're mourning but also celebrating" was how one fan of the Royal Family described the mood in Royal Hillsborough.The royal couple then travelled to Belfast where thousands of people lined the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of them.to recognise its long connection with the Royal Family.
"It was very important to us," said Hayley, but Valerie added that the reason for the occasion was "bittersweet".Queen Elizabeth II, pictured at the Giant's Causeway in 2016, visited Northern Ireland many times during her reign For unionists - who want Northern Ireland to remain in the United Kingdom - the sovereign is the personhood of Britishness, embodying the authority of the crown as a unifying force across the UK's four nations.
While Northern Ireland is known for its divisions, there was little anti-royal sentiment among the crowds, both outside Hillsborough Castle and Belfast City Hall.Rita Martin, Gertie Lorimour and Jean Sands travelled from Mountvale Nursing Home with their carers She brought with her a picture of when King Charles - who was Prince of Wales at the time - awarded her an MBE for services to special education five years ago."It just means everything to me to be here today," said the former school principal."We want to give strength to carry on - he needs our support.
"We've been here for five years - we feel like we share in your culture, she was our Queen," said Justine Gudes.Image caption,Healthcare workers Jacqueline Harrison and Jacqueline Heller were in a celebratory mood, having rushed straight from their jobs eager to welcome the new King.