In the House of Lords yesterday, the Government announced that they were in negotiations with the Historic Royal Palaces Trust to place the guardianship of Hillsborough Castle in the hands of the Trust. The news was given by Baroness Randerson in answer to a question from Conservative and Unionist Peer Lord Lexden, who had asked the government if there were any plans to establish a formal Royal residence in Northern Ireland.
In welcoming the announcement, Ulster Unionist Peer, Lord Empey said:
“Currently Hillsborough Castle is owned by the Northern Ireland Office and serves as a residence for Her Majesty and the Secretary of State in Northern Ireland.
“Putting Hillsborough on the same footing as five other Royal Palaces in the United Kingdom is to be warmly welcomed. Not only does this move establish the Castle as a Royal residence in perpetuity, it will mean more access for the public and tourists generally as the Historic Royal Palaces Trust has to raise its own money. It is likely that there will be enhanced local involvement in the Trust when arrangements are finalised in the next two to three years.”