Eleanor Bruce Cassan watched the coronation service with her daughter Brenda McAvoy
People across Northern Ireland have been celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III with community gatherings, tea parties and live screenings.
The leaders of Northern Ireland’s five main political parties are in London for the occasion.
It is the first coronation since the King’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was crowned in 1953.
Dame Mary Peters was among the first people on parade behind the King in her role as Lady Companion of the Order of the Garter.
The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Most Revd John McDowell, presented the Sovereign’s Orb at the service.
Seven pupils from Methodist College in Belfast were among the choir performing at the King’s Coronation service in Westminster Abbey on Saturday.
Image source, PAcemaker
The event was shown on a big screen in Belfast City Hall
Jubilant scenes
BBC News NI’s Amy Stewart, in London
The red arrows swept over the Mall to gasps and applause from the very damp crowd.
A voice over the tannoy told everyone the Coronation was now over and wished everyone a safe journey home.
Lynda Simpson, who is originally from Glengormley, was on the Mall with her children and her friend’s daughter, Amelia (pictured)
Earlier the crowds surged down towards Buckingham Palace to get a glimpse of the Royal Family on the balcony.
Now the Mall is clearing as people head off to continue the celebrations that are happening all over London.
Among the guests to attend the Coronation at Westminster Abbey was Irish President Michael D Higgins and his wife, Sabina, who also attended a reception for heads of state in Buckingham Palace on Friday evening.
Leaders of the main political parties in Northern Ireland – Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill and her colleague Alex Maskey, the speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly; DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, his colleague Lord Nigel Dodds; Alliance leader Naomi Long; UUP leader Doug Beattie and SDLP leader Colm Eastwood – were also in attendance.
Belfast
Husband and wife George and Victoria Stewart said they remember watching the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth
At Braniel Community Centre in east Belfast, some who have now lived through two coronations gathered to watch the service at a pensioners’ tea party.
The lights were dimmed and a small group watched on a projector as King Charles was crowned.
Eleanor Bruce Cassan said it was “thrilling” to be watching the ceremony on a big screen along with others from the community.
She said she loves the Royal Family and wouldn’t have a bad word to say about them.
Husband and wife George and Victoria Stewart watched the ceremony with their daughter Julie Hamilton.
Neither of them watched the late queen’s coronation on television at the time “because we couldn’t afford one”, Mrs Stewart said.
But they fondly remember celebrating the occasion with a street party.
Elsie, Tilly and Alex Wilson with King Charles Spaniel Lottie in Lisbellaw
In west Belfast, residents from the Springmartin and Highfield estates celebrated with a family fun day, funded by the National Lottery.
Philip Brannan, from the Highspring Residents’ Group, said it was a great opportunity for the community to come together.
On the nearby Shankill Road, a mural to the King was unveiled.
Image source, PAcemaker
A King Charles III mural was unveiled on Belfast’s Shankill Road
County Fermanagh
In the most westerly county in the UK – County Fermanagh – locals kicked off the celebrations on Friday night with a parade in Lisbellaw.
There were royal-themed floats, organised by the Derryclavin Pipe Band and children dressed up as kings and queens.
County Tyrone
The village of Donemana was awash with colour during the Coronation service
Local people took to the streets in the small rural village of Donemana in County Tyrone to celebrate the Coronation and the place was awash with colour and spectacle.
Lisnaragh Road, just off Main Street, was closed so families could sit in deckchairs and watch a band parade.
Many were delighted to have their picture taken alongside a giant cardboard cut out of King Charles
Many dressed up for the day in Union flag dresses as red, white and blue bunting and Union flags adorned the lamp posts.
Pictures of King Charles were prominent, too, and in the local Orange Hall you could even have your picture taken alongside a giant cardboard figure of the King.
Community Worker David Buchanan was delighted the sun was shining on Donemana.
David Buchanan said he was delighted with the turnout in Donemana
“This day has been a long time in the planning. We got the ball rolling with our funding application last November and we were determined to put on a great day.
“We’ve had many meetings and have now put on a host of activities for everyone. I’m delighted with the fantastic turnout because, as we know, many people in Donemana are huge supporters of the Royal family and our new King.”
With a family fun day consisting of crazy golf, bouncy castles, face painting and children’s rides – plus lots of ice cream – the party is likely to go on for some time yet.
Many people in the village were getting into the fun spirit
