During Charles III’s visit to Belfast on Tuesday, September 13, the political leaders of the two enemy communities put their differences aside to salute with one voice the Queen’s role in the peace process.
With our special correspondent in BelfastLaura Taouchanov
Loyalists were present in large numbers on Tuesday to welcome King Charles III in North Ireland, the second leg of his tour of the four nations. They gathered in front of Saint-Anne Cathedral, where the King attended a tribute ceremony in memory of the late Queen, in the cultural district of the capital where politics usually has no place.
For them, this is an important moment. Claire is here to the kingbut above all to send a message to its Republican neighbors: “ We grew up with royalty and I hope that will continue. There are thousands of people out today, it sends a message to everyone in favor of the monarchy. Long may she reign! »
In front of the political leaders of the two communities, Charles III praised the efforts from his mother to reunite those whom history had separated. Efforts that have not yet paid off, regrets Katie, her eyes filling with tears. “Qwhen the queen died, the other side celebrated by shooting fireworks “, she laments. ” The only difference with the 1970s is that there are no more bombs or shootings. There is no peace, we do not live in community! There’s so much bitterness “, she adds.
“People are fed up”
Arrived from Edinburgh, where they joined the tens of thousands of people gathering at the coffin of Elizabeth II, Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla went into contact with the public massed in front of Hillsborough Castle. ” With a shining example before me, and with God’s help, I take up my new duties, determined to seek the well-being of all the people of Northern Ireland. “, declared the monarch to the Parliament, at the stop for months.
For their part, Robert and Michaël prefer to remain positive. ” Why couldn’t he fix things? If anyone can do it, it’s him “says Michael. ” Well, let’s hope so. He should take care of the protocol (North Irish, editor’s note)people are fed up “says Robert.
These stalwarts of the British Crown hope that on the next royal trip, they will be out of this political and religious impasse. For King Charles III, the four nations tour will continue in Wales. He will be in Cardiff from Friday.
►Also read : Charles III in Northern Ireland: the tour of the four nations takes a political turn