The visit to the British provinces is also intended to underline the affiliation of the former civil war region to the United Kingdom.
However, Charles is also viewed critically in Northern Ireland – many supporters of reunification with the neighboring country Republic of Ireland strictly reject the monarchy and thus its highest representative as representatives of a once authoritarian regime. Supporters of the union with Great Britain, on the other hand, are usually also seen as supporters of the monarchy as an institution. Thousands of people have been waiting for the royal couple for hours.
In Northern Ireland, Charles and Camilla first wanted to see an exhibition at the Royal Castle of Hillsborough on Queen Elizabeth II’s long association with Northern Ireland.
Charles later meets UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris and leaders of Northern Ireland’s political parties. He then accepts the condolences of the regional parliament.
After meeting religious dignitaries, the royal couple will take part in a prayer at St. Anne’s Cathedral. The new British Prime Minister Liz Truss and the Prime Minister of neighboring Ireland, Michael Martin, are also expected in Northern Ireland. (sda/dpa)
Charles later meets UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris and leaders of Northern Ireland’s political parties. He then accepts the condolences of the regional parliament. After meeting religious dignitaries, the royal couple will take part in a prayer at St. Anne’s Cathedral.
The new British Prime Minister Liz Truss and the Prime Minister of neighboring Ireland, Michael Martin, are also expected in Northern Ireland.
The visit to the former civil war region is considered a special challenge for the security forces. Northern Ireland remains deeply divided between mostly Protestant supporters of union with Britain, who are seen as big supporters of the monarchy, and mostly Catholic supporters of reunification with EU member Republic of Ireland.
It is Charles’ 40th visit to Northern Ireland. Before his mother’s state funeral on Monday (September 19) in London, he wants to travel to all parts of the United Kingdom as king. He is expected in Wales at the end of the week. (sda/dpa)