The Queen Arrives In Northern Ireland For Historic Two-Day Tour

Queen Arrives In Northern Ireland For Landmark Visit

The Queen has begun her historic visit to Northern Ireland in Enniskillen, arriving to crowds cheering - despite torrid weather and a late arrival from the monarch.

Accompanied by Prince Philip, the Queen, who flew by helicopter from Belfast to Enniskillen, touched down at St Angelo Airport an hour later than planned.

The most prominent moment in the tour, which signals a key moment in relations between Northern Ireland and the monarchy, will be the Queen's handshake with Sinn Fein politician and former IRA commander Martin McGuinness on Wednesday in a gesture which will herald another milestone in Anglo-Irish relations.

As a staunch Republican, McGuinness heavily opposes the role of the monarchy, but the handshake, set to take place behind closed doors, will see both set aside their political differences in a display of peace and respect.

Crowds lined the streets as the Queen arrived in the town for the service

Wearing powder blue, the monarch was followed from the aircraft by Prince Philip, who is still recovering from a recent spell in hospital with an infection.

The pair were greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Fermanagh, the Earl of Erne, before heading to Enniskillen for a service in the town's cathedral for a service.

Hundreds of drenched well-wishers who had braved the elements cheered the Queen and waved flags as her convoy arrived in the town.

The Queen and Prince Philip arrive at Enniskillen's St Macartin's Church

The start of the thanksgiving service at St Macartin's Church of Ireland Cathedral was delayed by an hour due to the Queen's late arrival in the country.

A few minutes walk from St Macartin's Cathedral is the local cenotaph that has become a memorial commemorating the 11 people killed in the blast which happened during a Remembrance Day service, a far cry from the jubilant scenes in the town on Tuesday.

The Queen will meet relatives of some of the victims after the service, signifying a massive step forward in the relations between Northern Ireland and the monarchy.

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