King left with seagull droppings on his suit during visit to Northern Ireland

A seagull left its mark on King Charles's visit to Northern Ireland - by making a splatter on his suit.

The monarch received the unwanted memento from a trip to a seaside resort where he celebrated the work of local charities on Wednesday.

Charles was preparing a meet and greet the public in the Northern Ireland town of Newcastle when he and several members of the press where struck with bird droppings.

He then joked about his encounter with the gull that left its mark on the bottom of his jacket.

Irene Marting, 64, from the village of Dromara near Lisburn, witnessed the incident unfold from across the street.

After sharing a joke with the King about the moment, she said: "We were talking to the King about the seagull and he said 'it's well it didn't land on my head'.

"Somebody was trying to get him to put a coat on but he didn't, being hit by a seagull is supposed to be good luck.

"We're so thrilled he's come to Northern Ireland to see us and it's really nice to see him in Newcastle."

Earlier the King hailed "amazing" foodbank volunteers when he packed boxes of groceries for those in need during his second day in Ulster.

Camilla and King Charles were in Northern Ireland for a three-day visit.

Meanwhile Camilla was pictured speaking to well-wishers during a solo stop-off in Royal Hillsborough, County Down, on Wednesday.

She also took time to meet residents who lined the streets in the village, which is the home of the royal residence in Northern Ireland.

She joked she was "not quite the expert, but my husband is" while pouring a pint of the black stuff, and after meeting staff she received a round of applause for her efforts.

A lucky few also got the chance to see her pour a pint of Guinness during a visit to The Parson's Nose pub.

On Tuesday the pair where in Belfast to celebrate the city hosting this year's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world's largest festival of Irish music and dance.

(c) Sky News 2026: King left with seagull droppings on his suit during visit to Northern Ireland