Queen a domestic violence survivor and lamented over being "too busy" these days to carry on her watercolour painting hobby. The Queen, 77, visited Atlas (Adult Training Learning and Support) Women's Centre today, a supportive space for adult learning, personal growth, and community engagement.

The centre , stitching, painting and music. Shown watercolours painted by members, she said: "I used to do it a lot but I don't have the time now." Women at Atlas, which is celebrating its 14th anniversary, also made hundreds of scrubs for nurses dealing with patients during Covid.

Camilla, in a green coat dress by Anna Valentine, said: "My goodness they were needed." She also heard stories from five women in private who take part in the Domestic Abuse & Violence Programme. And watched a performance from the centre's sign language ukelele band the 'Sing, Sign, Strum' group.

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The group learned how to sign and play the ukulele and Camilla told them their performance was "very professional". They performed 'You are my sunshine' and got a huge round of applause from the Queen.

In the Stitching and Sewing class, Liz Docherty, 65, told the Queen she fled an abusive relationship in and joined Atlas around ten years ago. She told Camilla: "I had to get away, I wasn't safe." The Queen asked "and your life changed?" Liz replied: "Only now I can talk about it." The Queen said: "You can always use your circumstances to talk to others."

In an impromptu speech after unveiling a plaque, Camilla described Atlas as a "very happy place". And added: "I think it should be cloned." The Queen signed the visitor's book but struggled with the date and asked "what is it?" before adding March 19 to her message.

Despite huge secrecy surrounding any royal visit to Northern Ireland, locals discovered the Queen was visiting and dozens arrived outside. The Queen then went on a walkabout greeting and thanking well-wishers. They included Geoffrey Mitchell, of Guide UK, and his puppy Raymond who is training to be a guide dog.

He said afterwards: "She said she loved dogs and Raymond could probably smell her new puppy." Afterwards, Liz,who describes herself as a survivor, said: "It was a privilege for her to come here and acknowledge all of what we do as for a lot of us it's a home from home.

"A lot of us have mental health issues but we come together and have a laugh and do something good. It was helpful for me to share my story with the Queen." Earlier today, Camilla and began a visit to Northern Ireland by meeting creatives at the Commercial Court in the heart of Belfast.

Serenaded by the music of The Causeway Shantymen, they spoke to the makers of the multicoloured electric umbrellas and signs that decorate the Commercial Court and walking tour guides. They greeted members of the public who had gathered to see them, before visiting the Sea Holly Gallery.