BRITAIN’S QUEEN ELIZABETH AND Prince Philip arrived in Belfast early today on the first day of a two-day official visit.

The couple’s first stop was at the UTV studios, which is celebrating its 50th year of broadcasting, the BBC reports.

The Queen launched the station’s high definition television service.

UTV says the Queen got a lesson in weather presenting from their weatherman Frank Mitchell. Mitchell showed the monarch how to operate the green screen, or the “magical green screen” as he describes it.

She appeared impressed with the variety of backgrounds possible, saying, “You could take me anywhere in the world”.

The Queen was then due to meet with Northern Ireland Secretary of State Own Paterson and First Minister Peter Robinson separately.

Paterson had welcomed the Queen at the airport upon her arrival earlier today and told the Belfast Telegraph: “She is into the new technology, she is tremendous the way she works the new technology”.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More

Queen launches HD TV on two-day trip to Northern Ireland

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.