King Charles III says Queen prayed for Northern Irelandon September 13, 2022 at 1:37 pm

On his first visit to Northern Ireland as King, Charles III said his mother “never ceased to pray for the best of times for this place and its people”.

The King also received a message of condolence from the speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Sinn Féin’s Alex Maskey said the Queen recognised how a “small but significant gesture can make a huge difference in changing attitudes”.

Crowds have flocked to greet the King and Camilla, the Queen Consort.

The royal couple met well-wishers outside Hillsborough Castle, the only royal residence in Northern Ireland, which has been a focal point for floral tributes.

The King held private meetings with Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and senior representatives from Stormont’s political parties.

Later, Prime Minister Liz Truss will join the Royal couple for a service in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.

Speaking at Hillsborough Castle, the King said the late Queen had seen momentous and historic changes throughout her long reign.

“My mother felt deeply, I know, the significance of the role she herself played in bringing together those who history had separated and extending a hand to make possible the healing of long-held hurts,” he said.

Starting his speech in Irish, Mr Maskey, Sinn Féin’s longest-serving elected representative, said: “Ba mhaith liom comhbhrón a dhéanamh leat ag an am crua seo (I would like to sympathise with you at this difficult time).

“It’s extraordinary to consider how much social and political change Queen Elizabeth witnessed… throughout her long reign.

“Yesterday an assembly of unionists, republicans, nationalists and those for whom the Constitution is not a main focus united to pay tribute to the late Queen.

“When she first came to the throne, no one would have anticipated an assembly so diverse and inclusive.”

The crowds began to gather before dawn in Hillsborough, hoping to get a good view of the new King.

Among the earliest to arrive were Sharon Douglas from Carryduff, outside Belfast, and sisters Norma McKinney, Vanessa Patten and Rhonda Irvine, from Ballymena, County Antrim.

“We were up at 04:00 and here at 05:45,” said Norma.

“We wanted to be here early to let him know he’s got our support,” said Sharon. “It’s sad, we want to give him our condolences, but also tell him we’re happy for him.”

At the official royal residence, there was a gun salute when the King entered Hillsborough Castle.

A total of 21 rounds, at a rate of six rounds per minute, were fired.

The Royal Standard will also be flown during the visit to Hillsborough Castle.

Once inside, the King and Queen Consort will view photographs showing the Queen in Northern Ireland.

When the late Queen began her reign, Northern Ireland was the only part of the UK with a devolved government – made up exclusively of politicians dedicated to the authority of the crown.

The political landscape at the beginning of King Charles’s time is very different.

The principle of devolution is now based on power sharing between unionists and nationalists – though the latest deadlock means the Stormont Executive has not been fully functioning since February.

Unionism retains an overall electoral lead over nationalism.

But that advantage has narrowed, mainly because of the growth of parties which are neutral on the constitutional status of Northern Ireland.

The biggest individual party in the devolved Assembly is Sinn Féin – whose ultimate aim is taking Northern Ireland out of King Charles’s realm.

If there is a referendum on Irish unity – the King will not be able to express an opinion.

But his decision to visit Northern Ireland and the other devolved nations of the UK in his first few days as monarch will be seen as demonstrating his commitment to the union.

Later, the King and Queen Consort will meet leaders from all the major faiths in Northern Ireland before a service of prayer and reflection on the life of Queen Elizabeth II at St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast, before travelling through the city centre.

At the end of the service, the King and Queen Consort will be escorted to the steps at the west door of the cathedral, where the royal couple may choose to meet members of the public at the Donegall Street end of Writers’ Square.

King Charles will return to London on Tuesday evening.

This will be His Majesty’s 40th trip to Northern Ireland, but his first as King.