Northern Ireland Office

22/05/2026

📢 Are you a group of voluntary or community sector leaders aiming to empower Northern Ireland’s voluntary sector?

🤝 The £1 million Community Partnership Fund will be awarded to a forum of established sector leaders to provide guidance to smaller community groups

⏰ Submit your application before the deadline of 5pm Friday 19 June 2026.

The Northern Ireland Office has today, Friday 1 May, launched the Community Partnership Fund

21/05/2026

🌿On day three of His Majesty The King’s time in NI, The King visited Ards Allotments where he met with the vibrant community of volunteers, gardeners and growers who use the space not only to grow fresh produce, but also to forge social connections.

🤝 Elsewhere, The Queen met staff and volunteers at Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland hearing first‑hand about the breadth and impact of the compassionate services they deliver to people at their most vulnerable.

🧑‍🍳 Their Majesties also visited The Warehouse where His Majesty had the opportunity to take part in some hands-on food preparation. Her Majesty also heard about the range of creative projects going on in the lively community space.

🎉 On their last engagement, Their Majesties visited Conway Square in the heart of Newtownards to join a celebration of the town and its community, which coincided with a two-day festival showcasing the very best of local food, artists and businesses.

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20/05/2026

🎥 Their Majesties’ have continued their engagements in Northern Ireland today. The King visited NCC (Newcastle Community Cinema) and met the staff, volunteers, visitors, artists and creatives who bring the space to life.

⛪ His Majesty also visited Donard Methodist Church and met the volunteers who established The Pantry Foodbank more than a decade ago. The initiative provides free food parcels and hot meals, offering vital support to families and isolated individuals.

👋 Elsewhere in Hillsborough, Her Majesty spent time meeting the owners and staff of popular local businesses including The Parson’s Nose, grocer ER Wilson, and Arthur’s Café.

🎂 Later that day, Their Majesties joined the annual Garden Party at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, hosted by Secretary of State Hilary Benn, meeting representatives of the community from across Northern Ireland.

19/05/2026

🥁 Their Majesties began their visit to Northern Ireland with a vibrant celebration of music, creativity and rich, diverse cultural heritage as they joined organisers and performers to mark Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann coming to Belfast for the first time this August.

🥃 Their Majesties also visited Titanic Distillers where they met distillery staff, learned about the whiskey‑making process and had the opportunity to bottle some whiskey.

🤖 At W5 Belfast, His Majesty took part in a series of hands-on demonstrations exploring AI and robotics, as well as meeting young people, employers and local celebrity King’s Trust ambassadors involved in the initiative.

🏅 Elsewhere, Her Majesty the Queen visited Fane Street Primary School and met pupils and staff, ending in a school assembly where Her Majesty presented a small number of student awards and unveiled a plaque.

19/05/2026

👑 We are delighted to welcome Their Majesties The King and Queen to Northern Ireland as they commence a series of engagements. Here are the Royal couple at last year’s visit.

18/05/2026

📢 REMINDER

The Engagement for Change Fund will support Northern Ireland’s community and voluntary sector to build leadership skills and influence positive change.

Apply below.

The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) has today, Friday 24 April, launched the Engagement for Change Fund

15/05/2026

🍏🐑At the 157th Royal Ulster Agricultural Society , Minister Matthew Patrick MP discussed agriculture's vital economic importance with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Secretary of State Emma Reynolds for Wycombe, DEFRA Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Baroness Hayman, Daera NI Minister Andrew Muir MLA, Northern Ireland Affairs Committee members, and farming and business reps.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Ulster Bank Northern Ireland Glenpark Estate FSB Northern Ireland

14/05/2026

The King’s Speech sets out the government’s plans, including the main bills it intends to introduce in the new Parliamentary session.

In this video, Secretary of State Hilary Benn sets out the benefits to Northern Ireland.

Read more at https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2026-05-14/hcws1570