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The Earl and Countess of Wessex have arrived in Northern Ireland today for a celebration in honour of the Queen‘s Platinum Jubilee.

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie have so far visited Belfast, where the Royal couple were joined by throngs of enthusiastic onlookers at a 1950s-themed celebration on Royal Avenue in the city.

Afterwards, they were greeted by the Lord Mayor of Belfast Tina Black and watched a folk performance by children in traditional dress. 

The couple also tried a local delicacy – the Belfast Bap – and visited stalls at the Retro Jubilee Market before heading off to Bangor for the next part of their visit.

In Bangor, the prince was seen behind the bar of a kiosk serving pints of Guinness to members of the public. 

The Royal visit is to mark the third day of festivities in honour of the Queen’s seven decades on the throne.

Not your everyday barman! Prince Edward serves a pint of Guinness for a woman during a visit to Bangor in Northern Ireland

Not your everyday barman! Prince Edward serves a pint of Guinness for a woman during a visit to Bangor in Northern Ireland

The Earl and Countess of Wessex were presented with the Belfast bap - a local delicacy

The Earl and Countess of Wessex were presented with the Belfast bap – a local delicacy

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, greets well wishers in Belfast this morning as she arrives for a Platinum Jubilee celebration

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, greets well wishers in Belfast this morning as she arrives for a Platinum Jubilee celebration

The countess proved a hit with the crowds who lined the streets for the Royal couple's visit

The countess proved a hit with the crowds who lined the streets for the Royal couple’s visit 

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie joined members of the public at a 1950s-themed celebration at Royal Avenue in Belfast today

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie joined members of the public at a 1950s-themed celebration at Royal Avenue in Belfast today

The Earl and Countess of Wessex sit with Belfast Lord Mayor Tina Black to watch a performance by local artists to celebrate the Queen's long reign

The Earl and Countess of Wessex sit with Belfast Lord Mayor Tina Black to watch a performance by local artists to celebrate the Queen’s long reign

The Royal couple met local schoolchildren who performed a traditional folk dance

The Royal couple met local schoolchildren who performed a traditional folk dance

Children chatted excitedly with the Countess of Wessex after wowing her with their folk ensemble

Children chatted excitedly with the Countess of Wessex after wowing her with their folk ensemble

Enthusiastic crowds lined the streets of Belfast hoping for a glimpse of the Earl and Countess of Wessex

Enthusiastic crowds lined the streets of Belfast hoping for a glimpse of the Earl and Countess of Wessex

In Belfast, the earl and countess met groups of performers, including the Belfast Busking Band, and heard stories of the city’s diverse communities over the last 70 years, which will be explored through fashion, photography, music and dance.

The earl also chatted to elderly residents, brought together by Age Friendly Belfast, to share their memories and experiences.

Meanwhile, the countess joined in with a special platinum jubilee range of craft activities, making crowns and corgis with school children, before viewing a showcase of fashion through the ages.

The Royal couple then moved on to their second engagement in Bangor this afternoon.

On the beachfront of Bangor, which has newly been awarded city status, the pair joined members of the public at a vintage, seaside funfair.

Having viewed vehicles from the last 70 years, The Earl visited a 1950s pop-up diner, where he had was able to try his hand at pulling a pint of Guinness.

Meanwhile, the Countess was put through her paces at a 50s and 60s dance demonstration.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex also met the winner of a local Platinum Jubilee pudding competition.

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Their Royal Highnesses also greeted Royal Navy sailors and RNLI crew.

To end their visit, the Royal couple went head-to-head in a cooking contest, chaired by professional chef Jean-Christophe Novelli. The pair both cooked up some scrambled eggs, with Mr Novelli declaring them joint-winners.

Prince Charles and Prince William are scheduled to address a live audience of 22,000 at a special concert in front of Buckingham Palace today, as millions the third day of the Platinum Jubilee extravaganza marking her 70 years on the throne.

The couple will also try a local delicacy, the Belfast Bap, and will visit stalls at the Retro Jubilee Market

The couple will also try a local delicacy, the Belfast Bap, and will visit stalls at the Retro Jubilee Market

Prince Edward is greeted by lord Mayor of Belfast Tina Black on an official visit celebrating the Platinum Jubilee

Prince Edward is greeted by lord Mayor of Belfast Tina Black on an official visit celebrating the Platinum Jubilee

The Countess of Wessex carries a bouquet of flowers as she is greeted by spectators upon her arrival into Belfast

The Countess of Wessex carries a bouquet of flowers as she is greeted by spectators upon her arrival into Belfast

The Countess of Wessex arrived to meet many of the city's performers in fields as as diverse as fashion, photography, music and dance

The Countess of Wessex arrived to meet many of the city’s performers in fields as as diverse as fashion, photography, music and dance

Before leaving Belfast, the earl and countess will watch a community dance group perform a routine that celebrates the last seven decades

Before leaving Belfast, the earl and countess will watch a community dance group perform a routine that celebrates the last seven decades

The event featuring Diana Ross, Queen + Adam Lambert and Alicia Keys will take place in a temporary amphitheater built around the Victoria Memorial outside the palace.

The 96-year-old monarch isn’t expected to attend the nighttime outdoor event with rain in the forecast. Problems moving around, which the palace describes as “episodic mobility issues,” have limited the queen’s public appearances in recent months.

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The sovereign opted not to attend the Epsom Derby on Saturday, the second time in as many days that her troubles in getting around have robbed crowds of a chance to see her. On Friday, the queen skipped a special service of Thanksgiving in her honor at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, were among nearly 50 members of the royal family who gathered to honor the absent head of state. It was their first public appearance in the U.K. since stepping back from royal duties two years ago.

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