On day three of celebrations for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited Northern Ireland.
The couple have joined wider members of the Royal Family at engagements over the last couple of days where they appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following Trooping the Colour and a Service of Thanksgiving to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The couple were joined by their children, Louise and James, on both occasions.
The Earl of Wessex greeted the public in Belfast. (Royal Family)
Edward and Sophie first visited Belfast, where they joined members of the public at a 1950s-themed celebration on Royal Avenue in the city. The couple were seen shaking hands with well-wishes and royal fans.
The Earl met older members of the local community, who had been brought together by Age Friendly Belfast to share their memories and experiences. Some members shared personal memories of meeting The Queen.
Sophie was given bunches of flowers from the public. (Royal Family)
The Countess joined in with some special Platinum Jubilee craft activities, where she made crowns and toy corgis with local school children, before viewing a showcase of fashion from through the ages.
The couple also tried a local delicacy, the Belfast Bap, a specific kind of of bread roll, and visited stalls at the Retro Jubilee Market.
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As thanks to Their Royal Highnesses for the Royal Family’s service in Her Majesty the Queen’s #PlatinumJubilee year, Minister of State @ConorBurnsUK presented them with the @NIOgov Platinum Jubilee Hamper, containing food and drink from over 50 NI producers #RoyalVisitNI 3/3 pic.twitter.com/AnZjZ5YYPB
— Northern Ireland Office (@NIOgov) June 4, 2022
Before leaving Belfast, the royal couple watched a community dance group perform a routine celebrating the last seven decades.
The couple then headed to Bangor, where they joined the public at a vintage, seaside funfair. Prince Edward visited a 1950s pop-up diner, where he got behind the bar, which was serving pints of Guinness to members of the public. A success!
Sophie was put through her paces at a 50s and 60s dance demonstration. We know she has the moves however, from her visit to Blackpool Tower Ballroom in 2019!
Bangor has received city status as part of the Platinum Jubilee.
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The Earl and Countess of Wessex also met the winner of a local Platinum Jubilee Pudding Competition, as well as Royal Navy sailors and RNLI crew.
To conclude their visit, the pair got competitive and went head-to-head in a cooking contest, chaired by chef Jean-Christophe Novelli. The couple both made scrambled eggs, with Mr Novelli declaring them joint-winners!
The couple took part in a cooking competition. (Royal Family)
The Wessexes were not the only ones heading to far flung corners of the UK, with the Cambridges visiting Cardiff, while Princess Anne spent the day in Scotland to mark the special anniversary on behalf of her mother.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apGz96NsYmI
