Queen Elizabeth II visits Game of Thrones set in Belfast

The Queen has dropped in on the studios hosting hit US drama Game of Thrones during a three-day visit to Northern Ireland.

She and the Duke of Edinburgh visited the set of the fantasy series in Belfast, meeting some of the cast members.

Elizabeth II’s 62 stable years on the British throne is in stark contrast to the popular drama, which follows the fortunes of warring, fictional royal families.

The Queen was pictured next to the show’s Iron Throne, which is made of swords, but declined the photo opportunity of sitting on it.

Game of Thrones is based on the novels of George RR Martin.

HBO said earlier this month that the series was now its biggest hit, beating even The Sopranos in viewing figures.

HBO has filmed the series across Northern Ireland since 2009, reportedly bringing a direct economic benefit of £82 million (€102.3m) to the region.

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