Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee: The Earl and Countess of Wessex in Northern Ireland
In celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Earl and Countess of Wessex spent the morning visiting Northern Ireland.
The Earl and Countess first visited Belfast, where they joined members of the public at a 1950's-themed celebration on Royal Avenue. There, the stories of the city's diverse communities over the last 70 years were being explored through fashion, photography, music and dance. The Earl and Countess had the opportunity to meet groups of performers, including the Belfast Busking Band.
The Earl had the opportunity to meet older members of the local community, brought together by Age Friendly Belfast, to hear them share their memories and experiences. The Countess joined in on special Platinum Jubilee craft activities with local school children- making crowns and corgis. She then viewed a showcase of fashion through the ages.
The couple then had the chance to try the Belfast Bap, a local delicacy, and visit stalls at the Retro Jubilee Market. Before they departed, the couple watched a community dance group perform a routine that celebrated that last 7 decades.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex next made their way to Bangor. On the beachfront of Bangor in County Down, which has newly been awarded City Status, the couple joined members of the public to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee at a vintage, seaside funfair.
The Earl then had the chance to view vehicles from the last 70 years, visit a 1950's pop up diner and try his hand at pulling a pint of Guinness. The Countess was put through her paces at a 50's and 60's dance demonstration.
Next, the Earl and Countess of Wessex met the winner of a local Platinum Jubilee Pudding Competition before they went head-to-head in a cooking contest. The contest was chaired by professional chef Jean-Christophe Novelli. Before leaving, their Royal Highnesses met with Royal Navy sailors and RNLI crew.
The Countess of Wessex wore her Me + Em Flower Field Tiered Maxi Dress. She paired this with her Sophie Habsburg Erzfanny Bag in Black, Birks Diamond Maple Leaf Pendant Necklace, and Grey Suede Penelope Chilvers pumps.
