King Charles III has arrived in Northern Ireland on his first visit as monarch.
Accompanied by Camilla, the Queen Consort, his plane touched down at Belfast City Airport.
He will meet Stormont’s party leaders at Hillsborough Castle and receive a message of condolence from the speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Later, Prime Minister Liz Truss will join the Royal couple for a service in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.
Hundreds of people have gathered in the County Down village of Hillsborough to welcome the King.
The castle, the only royal residence in Northern Ireland, has been a focal point for floral tributes.
The crowds began to gather before dawn in Hillsborough, hoping to get a good view of the new King.
Among the earliest to arrive were Sharon Douglas from Carryduff, outside Belfast, and sisters Norma McKinney, Vanessa Patten and Rhonda Irvine, from Ballymena, County Antrim.
“We were up at 4am and here at 05:45,” said Norma.
“We wanted to be here early to let him know he’s got our support,” said Sharon. “It’s sad, we want to give him our condolences, but also tell him we’re happy for him.”
When King Charles arrives at Hillsborough, there will be a short walkabout, during which the Royal couple will meet members of the public and view the many tributes left to the late Queen.
A total of 21 rounds, at a rate of six rounds per minute, will be fired.
The Royal Standard will also be flown during the visit to Hillsborough Castle.
Once inside, the King and Queen Consort will view photographs showing the Queen in Northern Ireland.
The King will host a private audience with Mr Heaton-Harris before meeting local party leaders, and receiving a message of condolence from the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Alex Maskey.
BBC
