ROYAL SERVICE
King Charles & Camilla commemorate the Queen at cathedral service before her coffin is taken on final journey to London
KING Charles and Camilla commemorated the Queen in a service of reflection today before her coffin is flown back to London.
Their Majesties were greeted with cheers at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast, Northern Ireland, this afternoon.
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Upwards of 800 people, from across Northern Ireland and further afield, attended the religious service.
Prime Minister Liz Truss sat beside Taoiseach Micheal Martin, while Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill and DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson sat directly behind them.
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Irish President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina were also present for the service, sitting alongside Ms Truss and Mr Martin.
The Archbishop of Armagh, John McDowell, told the King and Queen Consort that "faithfulness, care, dutifulness, love and devotion" had all been part of the Queen's long reign.
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And he said all of these could be used to describe Her Majesty's relationship with Northern Ireland, with "patience" binding them all together,
The Queen's coffin is set to be flown to Buckingham Palace today as millions of mourners queue to be a part of the procession.
Princess Anne is accompanying the late monarch as she is moved from St Giles’ Cathedral to Edinburgh Airport by road.
Her coffin will be taken by Royal Air Force aircraft to RAF Northolt, in North West London, where it is expected to arrive at 7pm.
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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.
Earlier, Charles and Camilla were met by cheering well-wishers who lined the gates of Belfast's Hillsborough Castle.
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.
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 and Queen Consort.
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.
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 gave a message of condolence this afternoon, before Charles spoke of his "personal sorrow" at his mother's passing.
He went on to describe Hillsborough Castle as the "most fitting" place to meet as his mother knew it "so well".
And he vowed to seek the welfare of the people of Northern Ireland, taking up the example of his mother.
"I take up my new duties resolved to seek the welfare of all the inhabitants of Northern Ireland," Charles said, recalling the "shining example" set by the Queen.
He added: "At the very beginning of her life of service, 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."
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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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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