Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visit Hillsborough
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh at Hillsborough Castle
- Published
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have attended the royal family鈥檚 annual garden party at Hillsborough Castle in County Down.
Up to 1,000 people were invited from local community groups, organisations, charities and other stakeholders.
Prince Edward and Sophie met dignitaries including the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn.
One of the first groups the duke spoke to in the castle gardens included a number of business owners whose shops were targeted during the recent racist violence in Belfast.
Mohammed Idris's caf茅 was destroyed during the summer violence
Mohammed Idris, is the owner of the Bash Caf茅 in south Belfast. His caf茅 was set alight and destroyed.
He told 91热爆 News NI that it was an "honour" for him to be there and to meet the duke personally.
"This is part of the continual support I receive from the public and officials," he said.
Mr Idris said he spoke to the duke about the damage done to his business.
He said he hopes to reopen the caf茅 once he finds a new premises.
Beverly Simpson was invited because of her work with the North West Migrants Forum
Members of the North West Migrants Forum were also invited to the party.
The group works with migrants, refugees and asylum seekers to help them integrate into society and settle in Londonderry.
鈥淚t is nice to be recognized because most of the time community workers are overlooked," said Beverly Simpson.
Ms Simpson and others from the group did not manage to speak to the royal couple because it started to rain.
鈥淚t was pure Northern Ireland style so they hurried on, but it was lovely seeing them" she said.
Irene Boggs is the president of the Eglinton Women's Institute who were invited to the party
Others invited included members of the Eglinton Women's Institute. The group are celebrating 70 years since it was formed.
鈥淲e are very honoured to be here today. A day out where we don鈥檛 have to do the organising and someone else does it鈥 said Irene Boggs, the president of the group.
One of the ladies had a chance to say hello to Sophie as she was passing.
鈥淪he was like a breath of fresh air in her lovely lemon dress,鈥 added Ms Boggs.
After walking around the garden and meeting some of the community representatives, Prince Edward and Sophie came together for a traditional tree planting ceremony.