Her Majesty The Queen pays historic visit to Northern Ireland

Her Majesty the Queen has paid an historic visit to Northern Ireland and to Armagh where she took part in the annual Maundy service at St Patrick’s Cathedral. This is the first occasion that the annual service has been held in Northern Ireland.

Over 400 people made up the congregation and saw Her Majesty distribute Maundy money to 82 men and 82 women representing the number of years of her life. The main churches in Northern Ireland selected the recipients, all retired pensioners from across the community.

During her three day visit Her Majesty has attended receptions at Hillsborough Castle, the Royal School Armagh and presided over the Centenary Celebrations at Queen’s University. She has also met key sports personalities in Northern Ireland to celebrate the impact of sport in bringing communities together and celebrating achievement.

It is a truly historic time for Northern Ireland. Just a few years ago few would have believed that Northern Ireland would be in the strong position it is in today: with the economy and levels of foreign inward investment underlining the huge progress made in the peace process.

The historic visit by Her Majesty The Queen to the City of Armagh brought to a close her three days of engagements in Northern Ireland.