Causeway and steam train ride among the Queen's Northern Ireland engagements

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will arrive in Northern Ireland on Monday afternoon for a two day visit to the region.

The monarch will hold separate meetings with Secretary of State Theresa Villiers, First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at Hillsborough Castle on Monday evening.

On Tuesday, the Queen and Duke will head to Northern Ireland’s scenic north coast for a series of public engagements.

They will tour the famous Giant’s Causeway stones and also visit the nearby village of Bushmills, where they will unveil a statue to local VC winner Robert Quigg.

The Co Antrim born soldier was awarded the highest military honour for bravery shown during the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

The Royal couple will also attend a reception at Royal Portrush Golf Club. The seaside course is due to host the Open Championship in 2019.

In a full day of engagements, the Queen and Duke will also take a steam train journey to the newly-opened Bellarena station on the historic Coleraine to Londonderry line.

The trip is the third high profile Royal visit to Northern Ireland in a matter of weeks, and follows on from appearances by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall and then the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.