A seagull left a lasting impression on King Charles III during the second day of a three-day royal visit to Northern Ireland. As the king was about to begin a meet-and-greet with members of the public lining crash barriers along the main street of Newcastle, County Down, the bird dropped its payload, striking his suit jacket and splattering others around him, including members of the press.
Far from being flustered, the king took the incident in good humour, quipping that it was well it did not land on his head. He refused to immediately change his jacket and continued shaking hands with the residents who had gathered to greet him, drawing laughter and admiration from the crowd.
During his visit to Newcastle, Charles was given the task of filling two boxes with bread, vegetables, tinned goods and toiletries at the Pantry Foodbank, based in a local church. The visit highlighted the ongoing cost of living pressures facing communities across Northern Ireland and the vital role played by food banks in supporting vulnerable families.
Queen Camilla carried out separate engagements during the visit, travelling to Hillsborough where she pulled a pint of Guinness at the Parson's Nose pub. She also attended a garden party at Hillsborough Castle. The royal couple's itinerary was designed to showcase their continuing commitment to communities across Northern Ireland.
The king also met Boston Marathon hero Aaron Beggs, who sacrificed a personal best time during this year's race to help a fellow runner who had collapsed on the course. The three-day royal tour included meetings with community groups, local businesses and charitable organisations across the region.