Police in Northern Ireland were today mounting a major security operation ahead of the Queen's arrival this evening for a three-day visit.
Every available police officer is expected to be on duty as the Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, carries out a series of Golden Jubilee
engagements.
The Queen and Prince Philip will be attending a service in St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast. Leaders of the four main churches in Ireland will be among the congregation.
To mark her 50 years on the throne, the Queen will address members of the Northern Ireland Assembly in the Great Hall at Stormont's Parliament Buildings.
Senior Ulster Unionist the Rev Martin Smyth urged people to show respect to the Queen and not mar her visit to Northern Ireland with violence.
"It is an occasion and a piece of history which we should all be delighted in and from which we should be taking full advantage. It should not be marred for the rest of the community by a minority of individuals, republican and loyalist.
"Anyone engaged in such activities over the next few days will also be delivering a sign of disrespect to the Queen and should hang their heads in shame," Rev Smyth said.
PA