Final day of Royal Engagements
Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh's 3 day visit to NI draws to a close with a visit to Coleraine
Before leaving Hillsborough Castle on the final day of engagements, Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh made a short call into the filming of the BBC Antiques Road Show which is being held in the Castle grounds on 24th June. The Royal couple had the opportunity to meet experts from the television show who gave an overview of a range of artwork and artefacts from the Hillsborough Castle collection.
The Royal Party then departed Hillsborough Castle by Helicopter for their next engagement in Coleraine.
On arrival at Coleraine Town Hall, Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, who were accompanied by Denis Desmond, Lord-Lieutenant of Co Londonderry and Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, were greeted by Councillor George Duddy, Mayor of Coleraine Borough Council.
Coleraine Borough Council were delighted to host a reception to acknowledge the contribution that the Royal British Legion has made to improve the wellbeing of veterans and their families. The purpose of the event was to show support for the Royal British Legion throughout the island of Ireland and to launch the Council’s programme of activities that will commemorate the start of Britain’s involvement in WW1. The Royal Couple were invited by the Mayor to meet members of the Royal British Legion from Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, as well as elected members of Coleraine Borough Council who attended the Civic reception.
Before leaving the Town Hall, Councillor Duddy presented a gifts to the Royal Couple – a specially commissioned brooch and a hamper of local produce, including a bottle of ‘Coleraine’ Whiskey.
Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh then moved outside to the Cenotaph for a short service of remembrance led by William Mills, Royal British Legion, Coleraine. Her Majesty The Queen was invited to lay a wreath in honour of all those who died in WW1, before conducting a brief walkabout to meet the gathered well wishers around The Diamond area of the town.
Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh said their farewells to Denis Desmond and Ms Villiers before departing for their journey back to London.