The Queen shook hands with well-wishers in south Belfast
Queen Camilla has told well-wishers King Charles is “doing very well” on a trip to Northern Ireland.
During a visit to the Arcadia deli in south Belfast, shop assistant Brenda Robb handed over a get well card for the King, and extended her best wishes.
The Queen took the card with thanks, adding: “He was very disappointed he couldn’t come.”
Responding to quips about men “not being the best patients”, Queen Camilla said: “I try to keep him in order.”
The Queen arrived at Hillsborough Castle, County Down, on Wednesday evening for a series of engagements.
On Thursday morning, the Queen met shop keepers on the Lisburn Road and greeted members of the public.
Image source, PA Media
At Knotts Bakery, the Queen met William Corrie, as well as his wife, former Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon, and their one-year-old son Fitz
She met owners and staff at Coffey’s Butchers, The Arcadia deli and Knotts Bakery before an impromptu chat with well-wishers.
Queen Camilla was presented with a gift of some food favourites at Coffey’s, including vegetable rolls and beer sausages, replying that she will “take these back for my husband, he will make the most of them”.
At Knotts, she met owner William Corrie, as well as his wife, former Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon, and their one-year-old son Fitz.
The Queen chuckled as a joke was made that the young boy, dressed in a tux, had stolen her thunder, and smiled down at him.
Image source, PA Media
The Queen greeted members of the public during her visit to south Belfast
She was greeted on arrival on Wednesday evening by the Lord Lieutenant for County Down, Gawn Rowan Hamilton, and castle staff.
The Queen was last in Northern Ireland in May 2023 when they visited following the coronation.
This is her 22nd trip to Northern Ireland and her first without her husband.
Image source, PA Media
The Queen was presented with a card by pupils from Fane Street Primary School in Belfast
