Prince William and Kate Middleton made a surprise trip to Northern Ireland on Tuesday, where the couple’s chemistry was palpable.
Their excursion began with a visit to the newly opened Fire & Rescue Service’s learning college in Cookstown, where the Prince and Princess of Wales met with staff and took part in training exercises, including a ride in a fire engine.
“The Princess was saying, ‘I’d love to drive at the real speed and have the sirens on,” said graduate Caoimhe McNeice.
The couple, who both sported brown suede footwear, last visited Northern Ireland in October 2022, shortly after the death of Queen Elizabeth. Prince William made a brief visit to Belfast, the country’s capital, last year. In a statement, Kensington Palace said William and Kate would “spend the day visiting innovative organizations that showcase growth and investment in rural areas and demonstrate entrepreneurial and creative opportunities for young people.”
While they have carried out solo engagements in the past week, with Kate visiting Oxford as part of her early years mission and William attending a climate conference with King Charles, the couple looked delighted to be out together, and were openly affectionate with each other.
