KING Charles and Camilla were greeted with a sweet nod to the Queen as they arrived in Northern Ireland today.
Their Majesties were met by cheering well-wishers who lined the gates of Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland, this afternoon.
Impromptu cries of "God save the King" rang out as the new King and Queen Consort stepped out of their car to speak with mourners.
And in one touching moment, Charles was handed a corgi – Connie – from the crowd in a poignant reminder of his mother.
It comes as…
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- Thousands of tearful mourners queue through the night to see Queen lying in state
- King Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward bow their heads in moving vigil as they stand guard over the Queen’s coffin
- Queen’s coffin to be flown to Buckingham Palace today with Princess Anne by her side – as millions queue to say goodbye
- Over three million mourners set to visit London this week to pay respects to Queen
- Oprah Winfrey hopes Queen’s death helps Harry & Meghan ‘make peace’ with royals after bombshell interview caused chaos
Moving scenes saw the King and his wife coo over the small pooch, famously known as the Queen's favourite breed, as they chatted to its delighted owner.
And royal fans, including children, appeared visibly moved to meet their new king.
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A round of applause filled the air as Charles and Camilla inspected floral tributes left for the late Queen this afternoon.
The royals were then seen entering the grounds of Hillsborough Castle – the King's official residence when in Northern Ireland – as a 21-round gun salute was sounded.
Today's visit marks the first time in 80 years a British King has gone to Northern Ireland.
And it comes just hours after Charles and his siblings stood in quiet reflection by their mother's coffin last night.
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In a show of respect to Queen Elizabeth II, Charles and Camilla's royal cavalcade will later travel through Wellington Place, Donegall Square North, Chichester Street and Victoria Street.
Charles has also met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, along with other party leaders.
The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly is due to give a message of condolence for the Queen.
This evening, the King and Queen Consort will attend St Anne's Cathedral for a service of prayer and reflection for the Queen's life.
Upwards of 800 people, from across Northern Ireland and further afield, are due to attend the religious service.
Charles and Camilla will then undertake a walkabout at Writers' Square, before leaving Northern Ireland.
The Queen's four children last night bowed their heads over Her Majesty's coffin as she lay in state at Edinburgh's St Giles Cathedral.
It will fly from Edinburgh to Buckingham Palace today as millions of mourners queue for hours to say goodbye.
Her Majesty will be taken by Royal Air Force aircraft to RAF Northolt, in North West London, where she is expected to arrive at 7pm.
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Thousands of mourners queue through the night to see Queen lying in state
Members of the public will be able to view the cortege, before the Queen is taken to Buckingham Palace in a state hearse – accompanied by Anne and Vice-Admiral Sir Tim – to rest in the Bow Room.
Charles and Camilla will travel from Northern Ireland back to London this evening.
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