The King and Queen visit Northern Ireland regularly and many of their affiliated charities are active in the province.
His Majesty was just 12 years old on his first official visit to Northern Ireland.
Following his Accession, The King and Queen travelled to Northern Ireland, where His Majesty addressed the Northern Ireland Assembly at Hillsborough Castle:
The Queen made a pledge to dedicate herself to her country and her people, and to maintain the principles of constitutional government. This promise she kept with steadfast faith. Now, with that shining example before me, and with God’s help, I take up my new duties resolved to seek the welfare of all the inhabitants of Northern Ireland.
When His Majesty was The Prince of Wales, he became Patron of charities such as The Royal Ulster Constabulary GC Foundation and the Ulster Watercolour Society.
As Prince of Wales, His Royal Highness took particular interest in the redesign of the house and gardens at Hillsborough, and has helped Historic Royal Palaces in their work to make the castle into one of the most significant tourist attractions in Northern Ireland.
The Queen also carries out work in Northern Ireland, in relation to her key areas of interest.
In July 2013, Her Majesty opened The Rowan sexual assault and referral centre (SARC), the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.
In March 2024, The Queen’s Reading Room held an event at Hillsborough Castle, attended by Her Majesty, to celebrate the poetry and literature of Northern Ireland.
Her Majesty, as Patron of The Big Lunch, has attended many cross-community Big Lunches in Northern Ireland.
