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Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visit Hillsborough

BBC The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh at Hillsborough CastleBBC
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh at Hillsborough Castle

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have attended the royal family’s annual garden party at Hillsborough Castle in County Down.

Up to 1,000 people were invited from local community groups, organisations, charities and other stakeholders.

Prince Edward and Sophie met dignitaries including the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn.

One of the first groups the duke spoke to in the castle gardens included a number of business owners whose shops were targeted during the recent racist violence in Belfast.

Man standing in a navy blue suit and navy shirt standing on grass.
Mohammed Idris's café was destroyed during the summer violence

Mohammed Idris, is the owner of the Bash Café in south Belfast. His café was set alight and destroyed.

He told BBC News NI that it was an "honour" for him to be there and to meet the duke personally.

"This is part of the continual support I receive from the public and officials," he said.

Mr Idris said he spoke to the duke about the damage done to his business.

He said he hopes to reopen the café once he finds a new premises.

Women standing in navy blue dress and light blue jacket while standing under a garden party tend. She is also wearing a white hat for her head.
Beverly Simpson was invited because of her work with the North West Migrants Forum

Members of the North West Migrants Forum were also invited to the party.

The group works with migrants, refugees and asylum seekers to help them integrate into society and settle in Londonderry.

“It is nice to be recognized because most of the time community workers are overlooked," said Beverly Simpson.

Ms Simpson and others from the group did not manage to speak to the royal couple because it started to rain.

“It was pure Northern Ireland style so they hurried on, but it was lovely seeing them" she said.

Women with grey hair standing under party tent. She is wearing a pink and green top with a large necklace.
Irene Boggs is the president of the Eglinton Women's Institute who were invited to the party

Others invited included members of the Eglinton Women's Institute. The group are celebrating 70 years since it was formed.

“We are very honoured to be here today. A day out where we don’t have to do the organising and someone else does it” said Irene Boggs, the president of the group.

One of the ladies had a chance to say hello to Sophie as she was passing.

“She was like a breath of fresh air in her lovely lemon dress,” added Ms Boggs.

After walking around the garden and meeting some of the community representatives, Prince Edward and Sophie came together for a traditional tree planting ceremony.