WATCH: The King and Queen are in Northern Ireland

The King and Queen arrived in Northern Ireland today (Wednesday) for a series of engagements.

Their first visit was to Commercial Court in the heart of Belfast city where they met artists, business owners and members of the public during a walkabout.

The cobbled alleyway with its famous red benches and colourful umbrellas is considered one of the city’s most historic areas.

In 2022 it was the title of Belfast's most beautiful street.

The King and Queen were hosted by Willie Jack, who has worked in the city's hospitality business for over 40 years. In 2023, he was awarded an MBE for his services to Arts and Tourism in Northern Ireland.

Their Majesties also spoke to other business owners, including the creator of the umbrellas, local tour guides and florists before proceeding to Sea Holly Gallery.

Established in 2019, Sea Holly Gallery supports and promotes local artists from across Northern Ireland.

The King also met PSNI representatives and presented an award to the force's peer support and wellbeing volunteers.

The King gave an impromptu speech thanking the officers for the work they do to protect the public.

He said he had "enjoyed enormously" the chance to meet with some of them, adding: "I particularly wanted to say just how greatly I admire the way in which you deal, all of you, with so many different challenges that I know you have to face.

"You are the thin green line which makes such an enormous difference to keeping so many people safe. The fact that you're prepared to do all this, and that somehow your families understand and give you such support is the remarkable thing.

"I just wanted you to know that we owe you collectively an enormous debt of gratitude which can never really be paid enough. I certainly don't take for granted what you all do by any means, and my admiration knows no bounds for you all."