The Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward travelled to Northern Ireland for a garden party and a special ceremony.
Up to 1,000 guests from local community groups, organisations, and charities were invited to the Royal Family’s annual garden party at Hillsborough Castle in County Down.
Prince Edward, 60, and Sophie, 59, met with dignitaries, including the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn.
The duke also spoke to business owners affected by the recent violence in Belfast.
One such owner was Mohammed Idris, owner of the Bash Café in south Belfast, which was set alight and destroyed.
He told BBC News NI: “This is part of the continual support I receive from the public and officials.”
Idris expressed his hopes to reopen his café once he finds new premises.
Members of the North West Migrants Forum were also invited to the garden party.
Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward spoke to locals about the recent violence in Belfast
Northern Ireland Office
The organisation works with migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Londonderry, helping them integrate into society.
Beverly Simpson from the North West Migrants Forum said: “It is nice to be recognised because most of the time community workers are overlooked.”
However, due to sudden rainfall, Simpson and her colleagues were unable to speak with the royal couple.
“It was pure Northern Ireland style so they hurried on, but it was lovely seeing them,” she added.
The Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward planting trees at Hillsborough Castle
Northern Ireland Office
The Eglinton Women’s Institute, celebrating its 70th anniversary, was also in attendance.
Irene Boggs, the group’s president, expressed their gratitude: “We are very honoured to be here today. A day out where we don’t have to do the organising and someone else does it.”
Referring to Sophie, Boggs added: “She was like a breath of fresh air in her lovely lemon dress.”
The garden party atmosphere was lively despite the typical Northern Irish weather.
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Prince Edward speaking to groups who had gathered at the garden party
Northern Ireland Office
The royal couple continued to engage with guests, demonstrating their commitment to community engagement.
The event showcased the diverse range of organisations and individuals contributing to Northern Ireland’s social fabric, from long-established groups like the Women’s Institute to newer initiatives supporting migrants and refugees.
The royal visit concluded with a traditional tree-planting ceremony at Hillsborough Castle.
Throughout the event, the duke and duchess demonstrated their interest in local issues, from supporting businesses affected by violence to recognising long-standing community organisations.