The Baron and Baroness of Carrickfergus are in Northern Ireland for 2 days visit. After a fun-filled day that ended with a sparkling reception at Music Hall, William and Catherine will be spending the second leg of the visit in Ballymena.
Today’s itinerary has a focus on organizations that are working to create a bright future for the next generation. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent the day in Ballymena, meeting with organisations that are working to create a bright future for the next generation.
They began the day by meeting privately with officers and staff from the Police Service in Northern Ireland to hear about the unique challenges they face before heading to Ballymena. As per the Mirror report, “William and Kate requested to meet the police officers and the staff at the PSNI to discuss the work being done to provide mental support for those in the service. William has spoken candidly about how he was supported during his time as an air ambulance pilot and he was very interested in the concept of sharing of ideas and experiences between all of the emergency services and armed forces so that the best results can be achieved. The Duke and Duchess had some great ideas about how that can work across the country and it’s something they are both passionate about”.
They met with the Chief Constable of Police, police officers & staff at Hillsborough Castle where they discussed the challenging roles they undertake. Following the meeting with the royal couple, the Chief of the police said, “Police officers appreciated the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge taking time out today to listen to the challenges they face“.
‘Police officers apppreciated the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge taking time out today to listen to the challenges they face’ said @ChiefConPSNI following their meeting this morning at Hillsborough Castle @HRP_palaces @KensingtonRoyal @PoliceServiceNI #RoyalVisitNI pic.twitter.com/Otyh7yX1Qu
— Northern Ireland Office (@NIOgov) February 28, 2019
A video of the meeting shared by the NI Office.
The next stop of the day was Ballymena. The couple was received by hundreds of well-wishers who were eager to see the royal couple in the streets of the Co Antrim town.
The Duchess was presented with lots of flowers during the walkabout.
🎥 Little James Barr was a huge hit with the Duchess of Cambridge here in Ballymena.
Kate Middleton joked that he’s “making her feel broody”! 👶🏼 pic.twitter.com/LRRVK137zD
— Damien Edgar (@damien_edgar7) February 28, 2019
An interesting moment during the walkabout. Are we heading towards Cambridge Baby number 4!!!!!
This is Kate telling Hannah what she likes about being a princess. Video courtesy of Bronagh Dobbin. pic.twitter.com/QsVW6BesG0
— Valentine Low (@valentinelow) February 28, 2019
This little girl Hannah was able to score an interview with Duchess. When Duchess came to know that Hannah was writing a biography of Catherine in school, she knelt down and asked if she wanted to ask her any questions. Hannah asked Catherine what she likes about being a Princess.
The royal couple was at the Braids Arts Centre to visit the charity Cinemagic, who have used film, television and digital technologies to engage with over 500,000 young people, at Braid Arts Centre.
Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People is an award-winning charity that has been educating, inspiring and motivating young people across the world for the last three decades. The charity uses visual arts to increase opportunities and develop skills for young people from all backgrounds.
Since it was established Cinemagic has engaged with over 500,000 young people, screened over 3,000 films, and hosted over 500 masterclasses, industry workshops, Q&As and special events. Its film production projects have received international acclaim for their ambition, quality and reach.
During their visit, William and Catherine got to chat with young people about how they use film, television and digital technologies as a means to educate, motivate and inspire them & how Cinemagic gives the invaluable opportunity to work across disciplines.
The Duke and Duchess took part in some of Cinemagic’s workshops to see the full range of training they provide. The Duke of Cambridge joins a storyboard masterclass demonstration with children from Malvern Primary School.
The couple chatting backstage with performers from Cinemagic’s Musical Theatre and ‘A Stone’s Throw’ Projects – ahead of watching a performance.
William and Catherine watching the children’s performance at Cinemagic.
William and Catherine ended the day at Sure Start and Action for Children, a programme that supports parents with children aged under four years old living in disadvantaged areas in Northern Ireland. They saw some of the different programmes that Sure Start provides to understand how the organisation supports parents and provides best practice for early years work.
William and Catherine met with the Staff, Parents and participated in Hatching Dinosaur eggs which children and their parents work together to open and hatch, supporting children’s physical and cognitive skill development.
Catherine received a little bunch of daffodils from a small little kid. Daffodils represent St David’s Day that is going to be observed in Wales tomorrow.
For the day Catherine wore a new blue outfit. She was wearing Ashleigh Coat In Lavender Blue Double Wool from Mulberry. It is from the label’s Fall 2018 Ready-to-wear Collection. Thanks to Japanese_Ginger on Twitter.
The $2430 coat has a small cape on the shoulder and front button closure and belted waistline with a flared skirt. The silhouette of the coat is pretty similar to Catherine’s Alexander McQueen Coat we first saw in Australia in 2013. The difference is the cape on the new coat.
A closer look at the cape.
Underneath the coat, she wore a blue Jenny Packham dress. Initially, I thought it is the same dress she has worn during the Canada tour 2016 and for the visit to the Imperial War Museum in 2018. But Katie on Twitter noticed the different sleeves.
The dress has the same silhouette like the old Jenny Packham Blue Shift Dress i.e. sheath. It has wrist length sleeves with a self-belt on the waistline.
Catherine paired the dress with her Sapphire and Diamond Diana Earrings.
The Duchess was carrying her Jimmy Choo Celeste Clutch and wore Rupert Sanderson Malory Pumps.
Next, we will see the couple on Tuesday when they will be attending a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth to mark the 50th anniversary of Prince Charles’ investiture as Prince of Wales.
