Platinum Jubilee: Earl and Countess of Wessex visit NI

Image source, Pacemaker

The Earl and Countess of Wessex are visiting Northern Ireland to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

The royal couple's first stop was Royal Avenue in Belfast where they attended a 1950s-themed celebration.

They later travelled to Bangor, which received city status as part of the Platinum Jubilee, to take part in celebrations there.

The events mark the third day of festivities celebrating 70 years since the Queen's reign began.

Image source, Pacemaker

Image caption, The royal couple were greeted by well-wishers on Belfast's Royal Avenue

In Belfast, the couple met groups of performers, including the Belfast Busking Band, and heard stories of the city's diverse communities over the last 70 years, which were explored through fashion, photography, music and dance.

The earl also met older members of the local community, brought together by Age Friendly Belfast to share their memories and experiences.

Meanwhile, the countess joined in with special Platinum Jubilee craft activities, making crowns and toy corgis with school children, before viewing a showcase of fashion through the ages.

The couple also tried a local delicacy, the Belfast Bap, and visited stalls at the Retro Jubilee Market.

Before leaving Belfast, Prince Edward and Sophie watched a community dance group perform a routine celebrating the last seven decades.

Later in Bangor, the countess took to the dancefloor in the new city's Platinum Ballroom while Prince Edward pulled a pint in a 1950s-themed bar.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas said Bangor was honoured to host the couple.

She said: : "The Earl and Countess were pleased to be able to speak to some of the many people who were out enjoying the event.

"I wish them, the Royal Family and most of all Her Majesty the Queen the very best wishes of our Borough for the Platinum Jubilee."