By Lisa Ramsden
CHEERING crowds turned out to welcome King Charles III to Newcastle today (Wednesday).
In what was the first visit to the seaside town by a reigning monarch, His Majesty flew into the town shortly before 11am and was driven to Newcastle Community Cinema, where he met some of the many passionate local film enthusiasts who are the backbone of the local cinema.
He then made his way to The Pantry Foodbank, at Donard Methodist Church.
Here, His Majesty was greeted by the volunteers who established the initiative more than a decade ago. He also packed food parcels which will soon be distributed in the community.
The King also met representatives of local organisations and charities, including the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, Newcastle Fire Station, Ark Community Gardens, the YMCA, MYMY and Newcastle RNLI.
Before departing, His Majesty spent time shaking hands and chatting with many of those who had lined the streets to enjoy part of this special day.
With Mourne Community Choir bursting into song, Percy French’s ‘The Mountains of Mourne’ echoed through the air.
Some of the well-wishers were also able to present the King with gifts, ranging from local honey and freshly laid eggs, to flowers, a handmade clay mug and a painting by artist Darren Leahy of Gibbs Island, off Killyleagh.
After the previous day’s heavy downpours, the sun shone brightly on the backdrop of the coast and Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest peak.
This royal visit is the 43rd time that he has visited Northern Ireland, first as Prince of Wales and now as King.
In 2011, the then Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall visited Kilkeel as part of a two-day visit. This visit included a trip on a fishing vessel and a walkabout around the harbour before calling in at The Nautilus Centre.
