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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Jonathan McCambridge

Charles shows plenty of pluck as he picks up ukulele on Northern Ireland visit

The King picked up a ukulele at Ards Allotments, near Strangford Lough in Newtownards (Toby Melville/PA) - (PA Wire)

The King and Queen are carrying out engagements in Newtownards, Co Down, on the final day of their visit to Northern Ireland that saw Charles try his hand at playing a ukulele.

Charles visited Ards Allotments, which was founded by Maurice Patton after watching the then Prince of Wales visit an allotment on the news more than 20 years ago.

Charles met the community of volunteers, gardeners and growers who use the allotment space to grow fresh produce as well as forging social connections.

Charles with Judith Patton, wife of farmer Maurice Patton, the founder of Ards Allotments (Toby Melville/PA) (PA Wire)
Charles with Judith Patton, wife of farmer Maurice Patton, the founder of Ards Allotments (Toby Melville/PA) (PA Wire)

He also watched a performance by a local band and had a go at strumming a ukulele.

Meanwhile, the Queen met survivors of domestic abuse being supported by Women’s Aid in the town.

Camilla thanked workers and volunteers, telling them the work they do is “more important than ever”.

She arrived for her solo visit on Thursday morning wearing a blue and white wool crepe dress, which she teamed with a blue scallop edge jacket by Bruce Oldfield, accessorising with a turquoise three-leafed clover brooch.

Camilla met staff and volunteers at Women’s Aid (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)
Camilla met staff and volunteers at Women’s Aid (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)

Camilla met people from agencies and organisations including the Police Service of Northern Ireland, food banks and Community NI, before meeting survivors of domestic abuse, and their children.

In a short impromptu address to those at the venue, she said their work is “more important than ever”, and hailed all the organisations coming together.

“I think that’s what is needed all over the country. Thank you very much,” she added, to applause.

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