King Charles proved to be a hit with a ukulele solo during a visit to Ards Allotments in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. While meeting with community groups, the King was serenaded by the Loughries Men's Shed Ukulele Ensemble before picking up the instrument, strumming along, and holding it to his ear
King proves a hit with ukulele solo
The King ended his three-day visit to Northern Ireland on a suitably jaunty note.
Having already impressed onlookers with his rhythm on the drums and his dance moves, the King took up a ukulele on Thursday before happily playing along with a local band.
The King appeared in his element during his visit to Ards Allotments, just outside Newtownards, Co Down, where he compared notes with fellow gardeners on everything from potatoes and carrots to herbs.
The site was founded in 2006 by Maurice Patton, 72, after he was inspired by the King himself.
Mr Patton had seen the then Prince Charles visit an allotment a few miles down the road in Dundonald, Co Down, on the news and thought it an excellent business idea. . .
The King held it up to his ear and strummed along with the band for some time.
He held the instrument almost in the style of one of its best known players, George Formby, a favourite of the late Elizabeth II.
He held the instrument almost in the style of one of its best known players, George Formby, a favourite of the late Elizabeth II.
“There’s a marvellous organisation called the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, it’s fantastic,” he told the band afterwards.
One member shouted out “maybe you can get us into the Palladium!”. The King laughed. “It’s such a great instrument,” he added. “Do you remember the words? Wait till you get to my age.”
“It was a great honour to play for you,” another member said. “You’re very kind,” replied the King.
Later, in Conway Square, Newtownards, the King and Queen were greeted by huge crowds.
“Thank you for coming to Northern Ireland,” many shouted.
Meanwhile, the Queen swapped books at a community hub and thanked volunteers who worked with survivors of domestic abuse before rounding things off with an ice cream.
The treat was made by local family business Cafolla’s, established in 1919.
As she tucked into the ice cream using a wafer, she joked it was her lunch.
Asked for her verdict, she said: “Can I stay here? Can I stay and eat it all?”
Before handing it to her equerry, she said: “I’ll just have one more bit.”
“That was completely delicious,” she added.
Elsewhere, the Queen tried some ginger ale from Papa’s Mineral Co, which sells its wares at the local farm shop.
When someone suggested she needed a bit of whisky to go with it, she heartily agreed.
“Oh yes, that’s the best drink,” the Queen replied.
The King returned home with praise ringing in his ears.
As he left the allotments, Mr Patton’s wife, Judith, told him: “I love your aftershave!”
“Success at last!” the King laughed, throwing his hands in the air in delight. “Citrus tones.”
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