King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Belfast at the start of an official visit to Northern Ireland today, where they were greeted with a vibrant celebration of Irish culture
The King and Queen have kicked off a surprise visit to Northern Ireland today. Charles and Camilla arrived in Belfast for a three-day visit, where they will carry out a string of community engagements.
They began their trip by touring parts of the Titanic Quarter, a major tourist attraction in the city. There, the couple were greeted with a vibrant celebration of the area’s music, creativity and culture.
They joined organisers and performers to mark Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann coming to Belfast this August, for the first time. The Fleadh is the world ’s largest festival of traditional Irish music, song and dance.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “The King and Queen are delighted to be returning to Northern Ireland. This visit will provide Their Majesties with an opportunity to reconnect with the people of Northern Ireland, for whom they hold deep admiration and friendship.”
Some of the artists involved in the 2026 event include musician Sharon Shannon and her Big Band, who will headline the main stage outside Belfast City Hall on the opening day.
Other acts performing on the famous Gig Rig stage for the opening ceremony will be award-winning group Goitse, the Blackwater Ceili Band and Belfast ensemble McPeake.
The line-up will also include a range of school choirs, as well as cross-community and multicultural performances, creating a day of free entertainment and setting the tone for a week of multi-generational shared celebration across the city.
The showcase of traditional music, song, dance and language, which will take place from August 2 to 9, is expected to attract more than 800,000 people.
Charles made numerous trips to Northern Ireland when he was the Prince of Wales and has made a handful now as King.
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