Royal couple departs England hours after emotional statement from Buckingham Palace
King Charles and Queen Camilla have left England for a series of engagements in Belfast, just hours after Buckingham Palace issued a heartfelt tribute to the late Battle of Britain pilot John 'Paddy' Hemingway.
Arriving in the Northern Irish capital on Wednesday afternoon, the royal couple embarked on visits highlighting local culture, business, and community initiatives. King Charles' itinerary includes meetings with representatives from the tourism, hospitality, and arts sectors, while he and Queen Camilla will also attend separate engagements during their visit.
Their departure follows Buckingham Palace’s moving statement honouring Hemingway, the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, who passed away at 105. During the Changing of the Guard, the Band of the Coldstream Guards performed The Battle of Britain March and The Royal Air Force March Past in his memory.
King Charles and Queen Camilla began their visit at Belfast’s historic Commercial Court, famed for its red benches and vibrant atmosphere. They met with Willie Jack, a key figure in Northern Ireland’s arts and tourism sector, who was awarded an MBE in 2023 for his contributions.
