Today, Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle visited Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience located on the exact spot where RMS Titanic was built in Northern Ireland. The couple visited the ‘magnificent and dramatic’ Experience, as described by TITANIC movie director, James Cameron, on their first official engagement in Northern Ireland ahead of their wedding in May. The couple enjoyed Titanic Belfast’s galleries which tell the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end. Judith Owens, Titanic Belfast’s Chief Executive, commented, “From her origins as a Royal Mail Steamship, ‘RMS Titanic’ has always had a royal connection, and as such, we are absolutely delighted to welcome Prince Harry and Ms. Markle on their first official engagement to Northern Ireland. “At Titanic Belfast, we celebrate Belfast’s maritime heritage by telling the story of how the world’s most famous ship was built, designed and launched in this city, but we also share the personal stories connected with it. In celebration of the couple’s visit, our staff unveiled their favorite love story on board… the story of Isidor Straus, and his wife, Ida.” The Straus’ were the owners of Macy’s Department Store. Once it was clear Titanic was sinking, Ida refused to leave her husband. She would not get into a lifeboat without him, apparently stating, "I will not be separated from my husband. As we have lived, so will we die, together.” Prince Harry and Meghan Markle now join over 4.8 million visitors, including Her Majesty the Queen who have visited Titanic Belfast since it opened in 2012. In 2016, it was voted the ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards, beating off stiff competition from eight global finalists, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the Las Vegas Strip, USA, Machu Picchu, Peru and Guinness Storehouse, Ireland. The must-see tourist attraction is easily accessible from both George Best Belfast City Airport, Belfast International Airport and only 90 minutes from Dublin. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com. Useful links:
Titanic Belfast: www.titanicbelfast.com Belfast City Council: www.belfastcity.gov.uk Visit Belfast: www.visitbelfast.com Titanic Quarter: www.titanic-quarter.com/news-events Tourism NI: www.tourismni.com Titanic Foundation Limited: www.titanic-foundation.org
