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Investigates Investigates Money Diaries Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sports meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories King Charles pictured in Belfast this afternoon.Alamy Stock Photo Britain's King Charles speaks Irish and meets with GAA players during Belfast visit Charles spoke Irish during his meeting with Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill this afternoon. 11.07pm, 19 Mar 2025 Share options BRITAIN’S KING CHARLES spoke Irish during a visit to Belfast today, where he met with First Minister Michelle O’Neill, PSNI officers and a number of sportspeople representing Northern Ireland. This afternoon, Charles held private audience with O’Neill and, separately, with DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Hillsborough Castle. According to Sinn Féin, the British royal greeted the First Minister as Gaeilge, saying: “Trathnona maith, a Chead Aire (Good afternoon, First Minister)”. O’Neill in turn also spoke Irish, replying “Trathnona maith duitse fosta. Cad e mar ata tu? (Good afternoon to you, too. How are you?)” Advertisement Britain's King Charles pictured with Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill.Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo During his visit, Charles also travelled to to the Newforge Sports Complex and Event Hub, where he was greeted by Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long and PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher Upon arrival, Charles was shown a showcase of sport drills taking place on the lower pitch, including rugby, football, hockey and GAA. Charles learned about the forging of cross-community links that have been developed and maintained through the Newforge development, and met the chairperson of east Belfast GAA Kimberly Robertson. Charles pictured with Kimberly Robertson.Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo He also met PSNI representatives and presented an award to the force’s peer support and wellbeing volunteers. In an impromptu speech, Charles expressed his admiration for the “thin green line” of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Charles told a roomful of officers in Belfast they are owed “an enormous debt of gratitude which can never really be paid enough”. Press Association Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Britain's King Charles speaks Irish and meets with GAA players during Belfast visit”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Britain's King Charles speaks Irish and meets with GAA players during Belfast visit”. 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