Thousands of people, which included a number of people who travelled up from Co. Fermanagh, lined the streets of Belfast to catch a glimpse of the King and the Queen Consort on their visit to Northern Ireland on Tuesday, September 13.
People gathered from early morning hoping to gain the best vantage point from behind the metal railings along the route in the city centre.
By the time the Royal couple passed by in their cavalcade along Wellington Place, Donegall Square North, Chichester Street and Victoria Street to loud cheers and applause, the crowd was 10-deep in some parts.
People described the atmosphere as “emotional”, “happy” and “full of excitement”.
Many people held their phones above the crowd to capture a recording of the historic moment.
Charles and Camilla attended a number of engagements in the region on Tuesday as part of the King’s tour around the UK’s home countries.
The King and Queen Consort arrived in Belfast airport shortly before making their way to Hillsborough Castle, the Royal residence in Northern Ireland, where the royal couple met Northern Ireland political leaders, and received a message of condolence.
They also viewed an exhibition of pictures showing The Queen in Northern Ireland.
After attending a memorial service for The Queen at St. Anne’s Cathedral, Charles and Camilla then undertook a walkabout at Writers’ Square, before leaving Northern Ireland.
Enniskillen
Diannah Gott and her friend, Helen Elliott, travelled from Enniskillen to join the queue outside City Hall.
Ms. Gott said it was “a privilege” to be there to see the King, adding there was a great atmosphere, and that everyone was “happy” in the crowd. Ms. Gott met The Queen 10 years ago when the monarch visited Enniskillen.
“I loved The Queen, she said. “She was a remarkable woman and a great example to the nation.
“My granddaughter gave her flowers and I was holding her, and I met her and the Duke of Edinburgh,. She was lovely, and so was he. He was quite jovial.”
Her friend, Helen, said it was an “emotional” moment as she described how she has a framed photo hanging on her wall at home of then Prince Charles shaking her hand. Report: PA Wire.
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