King Charles III and Queen Camilla took in the sights and sounds of Banbridge during their third day of engagements in Northern Ireland.
At Banbridge Old Town Hall, His Majesty met local businesses and representatives from the community and creative industries, including some of those involved in Games of Thrones as well as staff from Southern Regional College and Total Hockey.
Banbridge Old Town Hall is also home to a recently opened Community Advice Centre.
Community Advice Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon provides free, confidential information and advice to support residents living in the Borough. The Queen will have the opportunity to speak to staff who deliver these services and understand the importance of the centre to the local community.
At Banbridge Library, Her Majesty saw the services and programmes offered by Libraries Northern Ireland.
Since opening in 1979, the library has been a vital resource for the people of Banbridge, providing access to books, information, and a welcoming space for learning and connection.
In the children’s area, The Queen joined in on a reading of ‘Peanut Gets His Sparkle Back’, by local author Kate Russell, who was also present.
In the library, joining a ‘Love your Library’ day, The Queen spoke to young people about the books they have discovered.
Her Majesty also joined a Craft and Chatter Group, where she heard about their crafting project and how groups like this support the local community and reduce loneliness.
The library hosts several activities for the people of Banbridge, including a ‘Brew Monday’ club, creative writing classes and a Scrabble group.
Most recently, the library has established an ‘Out of Hours’ Service, giving registered users an additional 51 hours of access each week, to printing facilities, WiFi and book borrowing.
Before departing, The Queen was invited to cut a cake made by a local bakery.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough, Councillor Kyle Savage, said: “It has been an honour and privilege to welcome Their Majesties to Banbridge. Today’s visit has been a truly momentous occasion to showcase the rich heritage, innovation and community spirit and it has shone a spotlight on the people and industries that make our
town thrive.
“I extend my thanks to everyone who contributed to making this visit such a success. It really is a proud day for Banbridge, and we look forward to building on this legacy for the future.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla are pictured in Banbridge, Co Down meeting members of the local community marking Their Majesties’ last official engagement in Northern Ireland.
Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
King Charles attends a reception at Banbridge Old Town Hall, celebrating Banbridge’s local businesses, and rich heritage of arts and culture. Marking Their Majesties’ last official engagement in Northern Ireland, The King and Queen learnt about the history of Banbridge, before meeting members of the local community.
Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 21st March 2025 –
King Charles attends a reception at Banbridge Old Town Hall, celebrating Banbridge’s local businesses, and rich heritage of arts and culture. Marking Their Majesties’ last official engagement in Northern Ireland, The King and Queen learnt about the history of Banbridge, before meeting members of the local community.
Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
