The Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, was delighted to receive HRH The Duchess of Cornwall to Lisburn, as part of HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall's two day tour of Northern Ireland. 

HRH visited 2nd Battalion the Rifles (2 Rifles), at Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn, in her capacity of Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifles Regiment. 

The Lord-Lieutenant was accompanied by two of his Lord-Lieutenant Cadets:

Cadet Colour Sergeant Major Emma Ellison
1st (NI) Bn Army Cadet Force, Larne. Arms/Corp Affiliation - Royal Irish Regiment
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Cadet Sergeant Robert Allen
1st (NI) Bn Army Cadet Force, Carrickfergus. Arms/Corp Affiliation - Royal Engineers

It was also Robert's 18th birthday so HRH joined the Lord-Lieutenant in wishing Robert a very happy birthday. 

The Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, laid a wreath today in Carrickfergus, and also unveiled a plaque, to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Royal British Legion. He expressed hearty congratulations on reaching this significant milestone and thanked them for all that they do, not just in County Antrim, but throughout the whole of the UK and Ireland.  

​The Lord-Lieutenant was delighted to be joined by his Lord-Lieutenant Cadet, Cadet Sergeant Major Emma Ellison, from 1st (NI) Bn ACF. The Lord-Lieutenant is also Honorary Colonel of 1st (NI) Bn ACF. It has been a very difficult past year for the Lord-Lieutenant Cadets due to the restrictions caused by COVID19.

Also in attendance was Mrs Jackie Stewart, MBE, DL, the local Deputy Lieutenant, and the Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Peter Johnston.

Mrs Jackie Stewart, MBE, DL, presented Mrs Mary Hawthorne, from Larne, with cards from Her Majesty The Queen, and the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, to mark her 105th birthday. Wishing Mary a very, very happy birthday!

The Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Peter Johnston, was also in attendance.

Do you know someone who has a milestone birthday or anniversary that would like to receive a card from HM The Queen? If so, please click here to find out more information.   

The Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, presented the Ballymoney Branch of the Royal British Legion with their Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. The Ballymoney Branch won the QAVS in 2020, but due to COVID19 the presentation was delayed. The QAVS is known as the MBE for volunteers groups.

The Lord-Lieutenant presented the QAVS to the President of the Ballymoney Branch, Major John Pinkerton TD, DL, a retired Deputy Lieutenant of County Antrim. 

The timing was significant as next week see the 100th birthday for the Royal British Legion. It also coincides with the Centenary celebrations of Northern Ireland. 

The Lord-Lieutenant was joined by the High Sheriff of County Antrim, Mrs Sue Pinkerton and the Mayor of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council. The Mayor also presented with the Branch with a certificate to recognise their 100th birthday.

To mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, Her Majesty The Queen sent a message to the people of Northern Ireland, which can be viewed by clicking here.

The Lieutenancy has also been involved in a number of events across County Antrim:

The Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, was involved in tree planting and beacon lighting ceremonies in Antrim, Ballymena and Ballymoney, which were organised by the respective Borough Councils.  He also attended a Service of Commemoration organised by Causeway Coast & Glens Council. 

Mrs Jackie Stewart, MBE, DL, also represented the Lieutenancy at a tree planting ceremony in Carrickfergus. 

Please find a selection of images from the events below: