The Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, received HRH The Earl of Wessex, Royal Colonel 2nd Battalion The Rifles, at Thiepval Barracks in Lisburn.

​HRH visited the battalion and took part in a medal presentation ceremony. 

The Princess Royal visited Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road, Antrim and was received by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell. The Lord-Lieutenant then introduced HRH to the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb MBE JP, and Chief Executive of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Mrs Jacqui Dixon.

HRH toured the gardens, met Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Council staff and local volunteers and then presented the Friends of Antrim Castle Gardens with their Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for volunteer groups.

The Lord-Lieutenant was joined by his Lord-Lieutenant Cadet, Cadet Sergeant Major Emma Ellison, of 1st (NI) Bn ACF. 

More information can be found on the Council website here.

​Her Royal Highness then attended a reception at Hillsborough Castle for representatives from the Counties of Northern Ireland. HRH spoke with local healthcare professionals who have been working throughout the pandemic in hospitals and the community. The Lord-Lieutenant was in attendance and presented three volunteers from County Antrim.