The Prince and Princess of Wales have made a one-day trip to Northern Ireland, their first since receiving their new titles following the accession of King Charles III. The visit included stops at charities and community organisations in Belfast and Carrickfergus.
The couple began their day at PIPS, a suicide prevention charity in north Belfast founded in 2003 after a spate of young suicides. They spoke with staff about their work and participated in an art therapy session with vulnerable children supported by the charity.
During a walkabout on the Antrim Road, a woman told the Princess of Wales, 'Nice to meet you but it would be better if it was when you were in your own country. Ireland belongs to the Irish.' The princess smiled and moved on.
Later, at Trademarket, an outdoor street-food market in Belfast, William and Kate took part in a cocktail-making race. William was declared the winner after mixing a drink called 'Up the Lagan in a Bubble.' They also met two cocker spaniels and received a collar for their own dog, Orla.
The final stop was Carrickfergus, where they visited Carrick Connect, a youth charity offering support for young people with emotional difficulties. They learned about mentoring services and took part in a seafront walkabout, exchanging handshakes and fist-bumps with schoolchildren.
