David Shiels

Interests in political history, biography, Parliaments, home affairs, British-Irish relations. Previously NIO and think tanks.

[BBC News NI @BBCNewsNI]

Blue plaque unveiled for Strabane man John Dunlap, who printed the first copies of the United States' Declaration of Independence.
https://t.co/KWtrvJ8EaX

[The Irish Times @IrishTimes]

King Charles confirms state visit to Ireland as President meets him in Buckingham Palace https://t.co/7zBOWskNNu

[Mr Memory @AmIRightSir]

The only serving member of either House of Parliament to have performed at the #Eurovision Song Contest was then member of the House of Lords Andrew Lloyd Webber, who accompanied Jade Ewen on stage at the 2009 contest: https://t.co/sPvTcnSMRv

[Lord Speaker @LordSpeaker]

This week I was honoured to attend my 24th State Opening @UKParliament as a Member @UKHouseofLords, and my first as elected @LordSpeaker.

It's the only regular occasion when the Sovereign, House of Lords & House of Commons meet, with the King's Speech delivered @UKHouseofLords

[Simon Calder @SimonCalder]

EU entry-exit system: Greece vows to fast-track British travellers, with a guarantee of no biometric border checks, untll a better procedure is available.
https://t.co/H6xKqVKoc9

[The Royal Family @RoyalFamily]

A very special delivery for David Attenborough, beloved by people (and animals) everywhere 💚

To honour Sir David’s 100th birthday, His Majesty The King is supported by a cast of stars from British nature to relay his handwritten message in time for the celebration at the Royal Albert Hall.

Watch David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth on @BBCiPlayer.

https://t.co/yZojhLlUXp

[Hillsborough Castle and Gardens @HillsCastle]

At 12pm today a 21-round gun salute was fired at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens to mark the anniversary of the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and Queen 👑

The salute was fired by the 206 (Ulster) Battery, part of the 105th Regiment Royal Artillery.

[Michael Adams @MichaelAdamsUk]

I told you that next door was only a footstep away!

#Neighbours to return to screens as UKTV announces plans to air soap's iconic episodes

Described as a "landmark deal" between U&Drama and Fremantle, Ramsay Street is on the move again.

Read more 👉 https://t.co/UCyOoLhbil

[BelfastLieutenancy @BLieutenancy]

Happy and glorious. Today marks the third anniversary of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla @royalfamily

[CBC Hamilton @CBCHamilton]

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to name former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour as Canada's next governor general, according to sources speaking to CBC's French-language service, Radio-Canada. https://t.co/JGEIWuu4ug

[Yuan Yi Zhu @yuanyi_z]

Aged 79, Louise Arbour will be the oldest governor general in Canadian history.

[Mr Memory @AmIRightSir]

There were 635 MPs returned at the general election on this day in 1979, none of whom are still in the Commons - the most recent election for which this is the case

[Premier David Burt @BermudaPremier]

At Hamilton City Hall yesterday, I introduced the Mayor of Hamilton, Charles Gosling, to His Majesty King Charles III as The King’s visit continued in the City.

With the sun shining and crowds gathered in Hamilton, His Majesty spent time engaging with Bermudians and observing demonstrations of local craft, including cedarwork, stone masonry, traditional banana doll-making, and kite-making. Artwork by students from local schools was also on display, alongside students from Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy, clients of the K. Margaret Carter Centre, and music from the Bermuda Institute Steel Pan Band.

We also met with representatives of the Bermuda National Gallery, including Chair Gary Phillips OBE and Executive Director Jennifer Phillips, as well as Bermudian artist Michael Frith, co-creator of Fraggle Rock, whose famous caves were inspired in part by Bermuda’s own cave formations.

It was a great afternoon in the City and a wonderful opportunity to showcase Bermuda’s creativity, culture, young people, and community spirit.

[Premier David Burt @BermudaPremier]

This afternoon at L.F. Wade International Airport, I joined officials as His Majesty King Charles III departed Bermuda following his visit.

Over the past few days, The King experienced elements of our culture, history, natural environment, and community life. It was good to see so many residents participate in events and engagements across the island, and this Royal Visit provided positive exposure for Bermuda around the world.

My thanks to all who worked to support the visit, and I was pleased to hear that His Majesty enjoyed his time in Bermuda.

[The Royal Family @RoyalFamily]

'I need hardly say that Bermuda, like all the overseas territories, is a most cherished and important member of the British family, with a friendship as solid as this so-called ‘rock'.'

At a Garden Party at Government House, The King addressed representatives of Bermuda’s society - from religious leaders and business executives, to community heroes and artists.

[Bermuda Government @BdaGovernment]

More highlights from His Majesty’s visit to City Hall, where Bermuda’s artistic community and welcoming crowd were on full display.

From local artists showcasing their work to residents gathering in celebration, the moment reflected the creativity, culture, and spirit that define Bermuda.
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[Bermuda Government @BdaGovernment]

His Majesty The King received a warm welcome this morning in St. George’s.
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Crowds gathered in strong support, cheering and celebrating as the Royal Visit 2026 continues across the island.

[Mr Memory @AmIRightSir]

With some having already left the House and others already given life peerages, the total number of peers who ceased to be members today as a result of the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Act 2026 is 77

[Bermuda Government @BdaGovernment]

The Bermuda Post Office is releasing a limited-edition overprint Express Stamp to mark the official visit of His Majesty King Charles III to Bermuda from April 30 to May 2, 2026.

Available from April 30 for $35, this special issue serves as both a functional stamp and a collector’s keepsake honouring this historic occasion.

Pre-order or purchase at the Bermuda Post Office and all sub-post offices.

The public is encouraged to follow updates via the Government of Bermuda’s official Royal Visit webpage: https://t.co/qJdgtd9ilt

[BelfastLieutenancy @BLieutenancy]

A flawless diplomatic speech from HM The King, reflecting on our shared history, culture and heritage to which our Ulster Scots Irish Presidents have contributed so much @royalfamily