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Queen Elizabeth says Belfast is example of people overcoming differences

Queen Elizabeth II of Britain says Belfast should be an example to the world of people overcoming...
Newstalk
Newstalk

15.54 24 Jun 2014


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Queen Elizabeth says Belfast i...

Queen Elizabeth says Belfast is example of people overcoming differences

Newstalk
Newstalk

15.54 24 Jun 2014


Share this article


Queen Elizabeth II of Britain says Belfast should be an example to the world of people overcoming differences. She has given a speech at City Hall there where a banquet has been held in her honour.

It has been nearly 50 years since she last visited the building.

She says she and her husband Prince Philip are seeing first hand how people in Northern Ireland are working together for the common good.

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The British Monarch also visited the set of one of the most popular fantasy TV shows, 'Game of Thrones', as part of her trip.

She and Prince Philip were given a tour of the studios and spent time chatting to some of the stars, including Sophie Turner (18), who plays Sansa.

Local Ballymena-born actor Conleth Hill, who plays the manipulative Lord Varys, was also on hand to show the dramatic influence the hit show has had on TV addicts and the Northern Ireland economy.

Filming the epic drama - based on the books by George RR Martin - has brought stg£82 million (€102.3 mln) to the region,  creating the equivalent of more than 900 full-time and 5,700 part-time jobs.

The Iron Throne was on display for the Queen, but she did not take the opportunity to test it out for comfort.

Instead she was given her own miniature throne to take back with her.

The Queen was also shown handmade costumes and props and armoury, while David Benioff and Dan Weiss, executive producers and writers of 'Game of Thrones', led a tour through the sets for the Red Keep and the Throne Room.

It is not known if the Queen and Prince are fans of the show, which is famous for its violence and nudity.

She also toured the Crumlin Road Jail in Belfast on the second day of her visit to the North.

Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness - who was once detained there during the Troubles - accompanied her.


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