King Charles & Camilla shake hands with crowds outside Hillsborough Castle after arriving in Belfast on mourning tour

KING Charles and Camilla were greeted with a sweet nod to the Queen as they arrived in Northern Ireland today.

Their Majesties were met by cheering well-wishers who lined the gates of Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland, this afternoon.

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King Charles and Camilla were cheered as they viewed the hundreds of floral tributes left for the late QueenCredit: PA

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Charles was handed a corgi to pet from the crowd in one touching momentCredit: Reuters

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Charles was introduced to little Connie in the crowdCredit: Getty

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Animal-lover Camilla also cooed over the tiny poochCredit: AP

Impromptu cries of “God save the King” rang out as the new King and Queen Consort stepped out of their car to speak with mourners.

And in one touching moment, Charles was handed a corgi – Connie – from the crowd in a poignant reminder of his mother.

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Moving scenes saw the King and his wife coo over the small pooch, famously known as the Queen’s favourite breed, as they chatted to its delighted owner.

And royal fans, including children, appeared visibly moved to meet their new King and Queen Consort.

A round of applause filled the air as Charles and Camilla inspected floral tributes left for the late Queen this afternoon.

The royals were then seen entering the grounds of Hillsborough Castle – the King’s official residence when in Northern Ireland – as a 21-round gun salute was sounded.

Today’s visit marks the first time in 80 years a British King has gone to Northern Ireland.

And it comes just hours after Charles and his siblings stood in quiet reflection by their mother’s coffin last night.

In a show of respect to Queen Elizabeth II, Charles and Camilla’s royal cavalcade will later travel through Wellington Place, Donegall Square North, Chichester Street and Victoria Street.

Charles has also met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, along with other party leaders.

The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly gave a message of condolence this afternoon, before Charles spoke of his “personal sorrow” at his mother’s passing.

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Charles said his mother was a ‘shining example’ to serviceCredit: PA

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The new king spoke with his wife, Camilla, by his sideCredit: PA

He went on to describe Hillsborough Castle as the “most fitting” place to meet as his mother knew it “so well”.

And he vowed to seek the welfare of the people of Northern Ireland, taking up the example of his mother.

“I take up my new duties resolved to seek the welfare of all the inhabitants of Northern Ireland,” Charles said, recalling the “shining example” set by the Queen.

He added: “At the very beginning of her life of service, The Queen made a pledge to dedicate herself to her country and her people and to maintain the principles of constitutional government.

“This promise she kept with steadfast faith.”

The King and Queen Consort will attend St Anne’s Cathedral later for a service of prayer and reflection for the Queen’s life.

Upwards of 800 people, from across Northern Ireland and further afield, are due to attend the religious service.

Charles and Camilla will then undertake a walkabout at Writers’ Square, before leaving Northern Ireland.

The Queen’s four children last night bowed their heads over Her Majesty’s coffin as she lay in state at Edinburgh’s St Giles Cathedral.

It will fly from Edinburgh to Buckingham Palace today as millions of mourners queue for hours to say goodbye.

Her Majesty will be taken by Royal Air Force aircraft to RAF Northolt, in North West London, where she is expected to arrive at 7pm.

Members of the public will be able to view the cortege, before the Queen is taken to Buckingham Palace in a state hearse – accompanied by Anne and Vice-Admiral Sir Tim – to rest in the Bow Room.

Charles and Camilla will travel from Northern Ireland back to London this evening.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla view the floral tributes at Hillsborough CastleCredit: Reuters

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The King appeared delighted by Connie the corgi today as he cooed over his late mother’s favourite dogCredit: PA

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Connie the Corgi pictured in the crowd todayCredit: jude_webber/Twitter

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The King and his wife shook hands with well-wishers as they greeted crowds outsideCredit: SKY NEWS

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King Charles III arrived with Camilla, the Queen Consort, in Belfast this afternoonCredit: PA

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King Charles pictured leaving Edinburgh this morningCredit: Alan Simpson

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Charles and Camilla’s plane leaves Edinburgh AirportCredit: AP

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Lord Lieutenant of Belfast Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle greeted King Charles warmly as he arrived at Belfast City AirportCredit: PA

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People waited in Royal Hillsborough for King Charles and CamillaCredit: Reuters

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People waited in Royal Hillsborough this morning for the visit of Britain’s King CharlesCredit: Reuters

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King Charles III last night stood guard by his mother’s coffin in Edinburgh, with her crown poignantly pictured above his headCredit: PA

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Mourners filed past as the Queen’s children performed the vigilCredit: Reuters