The queen of England stopped by Belfast, Ireland, Tuesday to visit the Seven Nations created in her own backyard. We’re talking, of course, about "Game of Thrones."
Creators David Benioff and Dan Weiss escorted the monarch through the HBO sets and props. Several news stations waited with cameras, ready for Her Highness to take a seat in the infamous Iron Throne. (Via The Telegraph)
"The Queen looked but wasn't tempted to sit on the Iron Throne forged from a thousand enemies' swords." (Via BBC)
"She's just kind of staring at it but not wanting to sit in it, it seems. ... But she belongs there, right? That's her throne, right?"
"Apparently she was given a mini replica, but she was like 'ehhh.'" (Via HLN)
After touring Northern Ireland's Titanic Court, where the show films, the queen might have had a slightly awkward encounter while meeting another queen. Sky News has the reaction from Lena Headey, who plays Queen Cersei Lannister on the show. (Via HBO /"Game of Thrones")
"I had been thinking, 'I'm going to meet the queen.' It didn't really register. It was overwhelming. She's a very cool woman."
The clashing of the two royal worlds — one fictional and the other the real deal — was an incredible sight, but comedian John Oliver, who hosts HBO's news talk show "Last Week Tonight," couldn't help but point out the irony.
"She will be a queen with fake power, visiting a fake kingdom, which arguably has more impact on her countrymen than she does." (Via HBO / "Last Week Tonight With John Oliver")
Several in the British media reminded viewers the queen's stop in Belfast was more than a novelty. In fact, it was the first time in half a century Queen Elizabeth II had returned to Northern Ireland since its 40-year religious conflict ended in 2007. (Via UTV)
"Game of Thrones" has been filming in Northern Ireland since 2009. It just wrapped up its fourth season with seasons five and six already greenlit for production.
