Britain's Queen Elizabeth met members of Ireland’s Grand Slam-winning rugby team today at a royal reception to mark their achievement.
She and the Duke of Edinburgh welcomed captain Brian O’Driscoll and his team-mates at their official residence in Northern Ireland - Hillsborough Castle.
With the Six Nations Trophy in tow, the players chatted to the royal couple during the event to mark the side’s first championship clean sweep for 61 years.
Ireland clinched the title with a dramatic last-gasp victory over Wales in Cardiff in March, prompting scenes of delirious celebrations on both sides of the Border.
While the team were welcomed by thousands of supporters on their return to Dublin on the day after the win, the Hillsborough reception was the first major occasion that the triumph has been marked in Northern Ireland.
Northern Secretary of State Shaun Woodward was also there to congratulate the team members during their 30-minute royal audience.
PA