Her Majesty The Queen has visited Royal Hillsborough, meeting local business owners, staff and community representatives as the village continues to develop as a distinctive destination within the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area.
During the visit, Her Majesty met a range of established and newer businesses that reflect the village’s growing boutique, hospitality and artisan offer. The visit also highlighted community activity in the village, including inclusive local initiatives that support pride of place and participation.
A key theme of the visit was the ongoing progress and ambition for Destination Royal Hillsborough, the Council’s flagship tourism investment project within the Belfast Region City Deal programme, which aims to enhance the public realm, improve walkability and strengthen the village’s visitor experience.
Her Majesty began her visit at The Parson’s Nose, where she met the team and local business representatives and heard about sustained investment and growth in the village in recent years. Her Majesty also visited E.R. Wilson Greengrocers, one of the village’s long‑standing independent retailers, before meeting people and community groups on the village streets.
The visit included a community moment recognising partnership working between Council teams, the Live Life Wellbeing Centre and local schoolchildren through planting activity in the village, reflecting the shared effort that helps maintain Royal Hillsborough’s welcoming and vibrant appearance for residents and visitors alike.
Her Majesty’s visit concluded at Arthur’s Boutique Hotel and Coffee Shop, where she met staff and patrons and heard about local hospitality, heritage restoration and the visitor experience on the village’s main street.
Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Alderman Amanda Grehan, said:
“It was a real honour to welcome Her Majesty The Queen to Royal Hillsborough today. This visit was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people behind the village , the business owners, staff, community groups and residents who create such a warm welcome and make Royal Hillsborough a place to be proud of.
“My Mayoral theme is ‘A city that sees everyone’ and I was especially proud to see the visit reflect that spirit, recognising inclusive community activity and the partnerships that help people of all ages and abilities feel part of local life.
“Royal Hillsborough continues to go from strength to strength, and we are excited about the next steps for Destination Royal Hillsborough, a project that will enhance the village experience, support local businesses and celebrate everything that makes Royal Hillsborough so special.”
Chief Executive of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, David Burns, said:
“Her Majesty’s visit has shone a spotlight on the momentum in Royal Hillsborough, from long‑established family businesses to new and growing enterprises that have invested in the village in recent years.
“The Council is committed to building on that progress through Destination Royal Hillsborough, which will strengthen the public realm and visitor experience and support the village’s long‑term economic vitality.”
Jennie and Ronan Sweeney, owners of The Parson’s Nose, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Her Majesty The Queen and to showcase the warmth and quality of hospitality in Royal Hillsborough. There’s a strong sense of pride and community here, and it was fantastic to see local businesses and teams recognised as part of today’s visit.”