Kate Middleton and Prince William.Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamare on the move!
The couple arrived in Northern Ireland Wednesday morning for their first joint post-pandemic trip, visiting Derry-Londonderry in a previously unannounced visit. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are meeting with young people and local groups making positive change in the community.
“They will spend the day meeting young people and hearing how organisations are engaging across communities to promote positive relations. It is Their Royal Highnesses' first time in this area of Northern Ireland,” their office said in a statement.
Meeting with nursing students and other members of the community at the Ulster University Magee Campus, the royals, both 39, toured the facility to learn more about the important programs there.
Kate Middleton and Prince William.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Earlier this year, the couple connected with some of the Ulster nursing students via video chat, speaking with them about their studies during the pandemic and essential work on the front lines. Today, they are meeting with some of those same students and will catch up on how their courses have progressed since February.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
The Derry-Londonderry stop comes after the glamour of Tuesday evening’sroyal and world premiereof the new James Bond movie,No Time to Die, which the couple attended alongsidePrince CharlesandCamilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
The rest of the U.K. was to follow soon afterwards when a second wave rocked the region, before vaccinations became increasingly available in the spring.
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William then visited in September 2020, praising the emergency services for their work during the pandemic. On that day, the former air ambulance helicopter pilotspent time with the police, fire service and ambulancecrews in Northern Ireland.
Kate Middleton and Prince William.
Also on the schedule is a meeting with the first class of medical students accepted into Ulster University’s new medical school, notably launched to meet the national shortage of medical professionals amid the global pandemic.
“The new School will develop a new generation of doctors who will work in Northern Ireland and beyond, once their studies are compete. It has received a £1M investment and now boasts high-tech, high-spec facilities,” the statement said.
From there, William and Kate will pop into a “Culture Shock” event to chat with students about life on campus outside the classroom and how the university is working to promote an inclusive student body. At the event, the couple will have the chance to sample some of Northern Ireland’s traditional fare (whiskey and wheat bread are on the menu!) and listen to music students playing traditional instruments.
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The royals, who like to see themselves as unifying presence, are making special efforts to connect with the four nations of the U.K. at the moment. Charles, 72, and Camilla, 74, have been carrying out a number of duties in Scotland in the last few weeks andQueen Elizabeth, 95, is to follow suit in both Scotland and Wales in the coming weeks.
source: people.com
