A rather over-enthusiastic King Charles was quickly corrected as he tried out a new musical instrument with Queen Camilla on Tuesday – but was soon hailed as "a natural".
The royal couple performed with a folk group in Belfast's Titanic Quarter, before sipping on some Irish whisky.
They were presented with traditional Bodhran drums, with the King wasting no time in picking it up off the floor, before he began to tap it rhythmically with his drumsticks.
John Walsh, chief executive of Belfast City Council, stepped in to show the King how to hold the drum’s cipin, or beater, and the rhythm used to play it. The monarch was shown how to stroke the drum, rather than beat it.
The rhythmic King, 77, was clearly very successful and was soon granted a thumbs-up of approval, and was also seen tapping his feet. Queen Camilla then followed suit, after receiving her own musical lesson.
John said afterwards: "I think they did very well, and as I said to them 'you’re both naturals'." He added: “The whole idea we celebrate at the Fleadh is getting people to participate and getting them to take up an instrument – that culture of producing music."
© PA Images via Getty ImagesTendai Nyamayaro, 38, originally from Zimbabwe, who has been living in Belfast for two and a half years, said: "The King's got rhythm! What a beautiful thing to have happened, showing up to celebrate our different cultures here in Belfast."
King Charles's musical talents
King Charles has been a lifelong supporter of the arts and music. In his younger years, he learned how to play the cello, trumpet and the piano.
In April 2025, he was even filmed performing a rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on a carrot during a special community music reception at Windsor Castle, joining the London Vegetable Orchestra.
© GettyHe previously shared his favourite songs from his personal playlist on the King's Music Room on Apple Music.
The monarch personally selected songs from across the Commonwealth, including legendary artists such as Bob Marley, Kylie Minogue, Grace Jones, and RAYE.
Speaking about his love of music in a video message recorded at Buckingham Palace, he said: "Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me. I know that is also the case for so many others.
© POOL/AFP via Getty Images"It has that remarkable ability to bring happy memories flooding back from the deepest recesses of our memory, to comfort us in times of sadness, and to take us to distant places.
"But perhaps, above all, it can lift our spirits to such a degree, and all the more so when it brings us together in celebration. In other words, it brings us joy."
A surprise visit
The royal couple are on a surprise visit to Northern Ireland, planned to last for three days. The trip, like all engagements in the region, is carried out amid a strict security blackout, so no details are being shared in advance.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe royal couple began their visit to Northern Ireland at an open-air event showcasing the type of acts on display when Belfast hosts the all-Ireland Fleadh – the world’s largest festival of traditional Irish music, song and dance – for the first time in August.
Later on, they visited Titanic Distillers, a new company that has transformed an Edwardian pumphouse, next to a dry dock famed for holding the Titanic, into a distillery.
They were given a guided tour and offered glasses of blended Irish whiskey, with Camilla joking she had to "get to my next engagement" after being presented with the strong beverage. "It's very strong," she warned her husband, who also gave it a try.
