Belfast boxing legend Carl Frampton said he was very "honoured" to have been invited to see King Charles III arrive at Royal Hillsborough in Northern Ireland.
The new King and Camilla, Queen Consort, arrived in Belfast on Tuesday morning, where they have a full day of events ahead.
Carl Frampton said he felt the visit was a chance to be part of an historic occasion.
"It's a really momentous occasion, it's an honour and a privilege for me to be invited here," he told BBC News.
"It's a huge moment in history, British history and I suppose world history really."
The retired boxer said it marked a change of times for him as well, having met King Charles III when he was previously a Prince.
"I met him as the Prince a couple of years ago, my wife as well - he's very personable and funny.
"I had a chat maybe three minutes or so but it felt like longer and it was really enjoyable - we got some lovely photographs that we'll treasure forever."
When asked about his own mixed marriage and how the Queen had reached out across divides, he reflected on the symbolism of those gestures.
"The Queen, with her appearance in Dublin where she spoke Irish as well at the banquet in 2011 I think - a massive occasion in terms of reconciliation and peace in Northern Ireland," he said.
"And also the moment where she shook hands with Martin McGuinness, that was a very symbolic moment for this country."
He spoke too of his pride at having been recognised in the Queen's honours list back in 2015, before receiving his MBE at Buckingham Palace in 2016.
"It means so much to me and my family - a very proud moment when I collected it in 2016," he said.
"It's the first time I've actually worn it, but I'm very, very proud."
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