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.
Northern Ireland Office
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.
Northern Ireland Office
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”.
Northern Ireland Office
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“.
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.
Northern Ireland Office
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.
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.
A video of the walkabout.Northern Ireland
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.
Northern Ireland
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.
Northern Ireland
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.
Northern Ireland
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.
Northern Ireland
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.
Kensington palace
The couple chatting backstage with performers from Cinemagic’s Musical Theatre and ‘A Stone’s Throw’ Projects – ahead of watching a performance.
Northern Ireland
William and Catherine watching kid’s performance at Cinemagic.
A video of their visit to Cinemagic.Northern Ireland
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.
Northern Ireland Office
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.
Northern Ireland Office
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.
A video from the last engagement of the day.Kensington Palace
For the day Catherine wore a new blue outfit. She was wearing Ashleigh Coat In Lavender Blue Double Wool from Mulberry. It is from label’s Fall 2018 Ready-to-wear Collection. Thanks to Japanese_Ginger on Twitter.
Mulberry Ashleigh Coat In Lavender Blue Double Wool
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 Coatwe first saw in Australia in 2013. The difference is the cape on the new coat.
Mulberry Ashleigh Coat In Lavender Blue Double Wool
A closer look at the cape.
Jenny Packham Blue Sheath Dress/ Northern Ireland Office
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.
Jenny Packham Blue Shift Dress
The dress has the same silhouette as the old Jenny Packham Blue Shift Dress i.e. sheath. It has wrist length sleeves with self-belt on the waistline.
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.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge ended the day 1 of their 2 days Northern Ireland visit with a reception at the iconic Empire Music Hall in Belfast. The couple attended a party celebrating young people who are making a real difference in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Office
Earlier in the day, the couple visited Windsor Park football stadium, home of the Irish Football Association (IFA), heard about the IFA’s community football projects and how sport plays a role in bringing communities together. Then they went to Fermanagh to see the incredible work that the charity Extern is doing at their Roscor Youth Village, which is a residential activity centre for children referred to the charity by social workers or the Department of Justice. Read more about the day’s engagements here.
Empire Music Hall
The venue of the reception Empire Music Hall is the iconic musical hub in Belfast having three floors of bars, blues, rock, jazz and comedy.
Northern Ireland Office
The band LARKS took over the stage to entertain the guests that include representatives from Northern Ireland’s business, arts and sports sectors. The night was hosted by the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast Mrs Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle CBE.
Northern Ireland
Both William and Catherine took turns to pull the pint of Harp. William jokingly said, “Look at that bad boy. Perfect. It’s good enough for an advert”.
Northern Ireland
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met legendary Northern Irish Athlete Dame Mary Peters, who was today appointed by Her Majesty The Queen to be a Lady Companion of the Noblest Order of the Garter. William and Catherine congratulated Mary Peters on her appointment.
The Royal Family Twitter
In medieval times, King Edward III was so inspired by tales of King Arthur and the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table that he set up his own group of honourable knights, called the Order of the Garter. Nearly 700 years later, the Order is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. The Knights, now both male and female, used to be limited to aristocracy, but today they are chosen from a variety of backgrounds, in recognition of their public service. Dame Peters will be invested at Windsor Castle on Garter Day in June this year.
Born in Lancashire, Mary Peters moved to Northern Ireland when she was 11 years old with her father due to his job. The headmaster Donald Woodman and PE teacher Kenneth McClelland introduced her to athletics with Mr McClelland her first coach. In the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Peters competing for Great Britain and Northern Ireland won the gold medal in the women’s pentathlon. After her victory, death threats were phoned in to the BBC, “Mary Peters is a protestant and has won a medal for Britain. An attempt will be made on her life and it will be blamed on the IRA … Her home will be going up in the near future.” but Peters insisted she would return home to Belfast. She was greeted by fans and a band at the airport and paraded through the city streets, but was not allowed back in her flat for three months. Turning down jobs in the US and Australia, where her father lived, she insisted on remaining in Northern Ireland.
Mary Peters Trust
Peters established a charitable Sports Trust in 1975 to support talented young sportsmen and women, both able-bodied and disabled, from across Northern Ireland. The Trust now known as the Mary Peters Trust, helps aspiring young athletes realise their maximum potential by assisting them in both a financial and advisory capacity. Since its inception more than 40 years ago, the Mary Peters Trust has made a staggering number of Awards making a difference to the lives of thousands of young athletes from across Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Office
William addressed the gathering and in his speech praised Mary Peters. As per the Daily mail report William said,
Catherine and I are grateful to be amongst so many inspirational young leaders this evening. Over the course of the day, we’ve had the great privilege of meeting some of you personally and seeing first-hand the work that you are doing. From using sport to encourage people to talk openly about mental health to delivering services to children and young people who are at risk of entering care or custody – the work you do transcends community divisions and is helping deliver a brighter future for everybody in Northern Ireland.
And as we celebrate those who are leading that change for the next generation, it is also fitting that we recognise somebody else in the room this evening – who helped inspire so many of you in the first place. Mary Peters, is not only one of the United Kingdom’s sporting legends, she’s also inspired generation after generation to come together in times of trouble and work for the common good – a lesson I hope many of us can learn from.
So it was fitting today that Her Majesty The Queen has appointed Mary to be a Lady Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter – one of the UK’s highest honours. And I hope you can all join me in thanking and congratulating her personally this evening.
A video of the night.PA/Tim Rookie on Twitter
Coming to fashion and style details of the evening, as expected to give a sartorial node to the hosts, Duchess chose a green dress. She was wearing Missoni Metallic Lurex Mint Green Dress.
Missoni Lurex Midi Dress
The $2480 dress is described on Net-a-Porter as, “Missoni’s whisper-weight mint Lurex dress is woven with shimmering threads and has an elegant V-shaped neckline – the pleated midi skirt looks really classic, too”. Missoni label is known for its classically elegant knitted and woven dresses.
Missoni Lurex Midi Dress
The shimmering dress was a beautiful choice on Catherine’s part. It’s wrapped bodice with fitted waistline had a flattering silhouette with a pleated skirt. Adding a touch of vintage was the blouson sleeves. The dress is not available any more.
Missoni Lurex Midi Dress
A closer look at the fabric and pattern of the dress.
On Thursday, Duke and Duchess will start their day 2 of their visit. So far the details of the day’s itinerary have not been released due to the security reasons.
Today, much to everyone’s surprise the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Belfast, Northern Ireland for two days visit. The visit was embargoed because of security reasons and was not announced beforehand. William and Catherine’s official royal title in Northern Ireland is Baron and Baroness of Carrickfergus.
RFCA NI on Twitter
William and Catherine are visiting Belfast, Fermanagh and Ballymena on a two-day trip, 27-28 February that will celebrate the young people of Northern Ireland. Before this William and Catherine have made only 1-day visits to Northern Ireland. This is their first visit when they will be staying overnight.
Northern Ireland Office
Day one has a strong focus on the positive impact that sport, nature and the outdoors can have on childhood development, and improved physical and mental health for all. William and Catherine started the first day with a visit to Windsor Park football stadium, home of the Irish Football Association (IFA). The royal couple was welcomed by a huge crowd outside the IFA. One cute kid wearing waistcoat and bow tie caught Duchess attention that gave us few candid shots.
Northern Ireland Office
Duchess talking to the members of public gathered outside the IFA where she was presented with flowers.
RFCANI on Twitter
They were received by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Belfast, Sir Nigel Hamilton and the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet CSM Ryan McMaster of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Office
The couple toured the National Stadium at Windsor Park and heard about the IFA’s community football projects and how sport plays a role in bringing communities together. They saw how the facility tells the unique story of Northern Ireland football using a variety of media and interactive displays and how it showcases the Irish FA’s mission to promote, foster and develop ‘football for all’.
Northern Ireland Office
They took a closer look at the British Championship trophy, won by Northern Ireland when it was last played in 1984.
Northern Ireland Twitter
At IFA, they met with the Northern Ireland’s goalkeeping legend Pat Jennings at Windsor Park Football Stadium. Patrick Anthony Jennings, who was honoured as OBE, is a Northern Irish former footballer. He played 119 games for Northern Ireland as a goalkeeper, a figure which at the time was a world record and is still a Northern Ireland record, in an international career which lasted for over 22 years.
Kensington Royal
Irish FA Director of Football Development Michael Boyd said: “It was a fantastic privilege to welcome the Duke and Duchess to the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park and to tell them about the work that the Irish FA Foundation does promote football for all, health, education and employability serving communities right across Northern Ireland. The Royal couple were really interested in the projects we deliver, and it was a massive boost for our staff and our participants to meet them and to be encouraged by them.”
Northern Ireland
The IFA run outreach programmes that benefit the mental and physical health of local communities. ‘Shooting Stars’ encourages young girls to play football and ‘Ahead of the Game’ works to support clubs and volunteers when dealing with mental health issues, with a focus on challenging the stigma and preventative measures.
Northern Ireland
The Royal couple watched primary school children from across Belfast take part in some of the Irish Football Association Foundation’s award-winning initiatives such as the Electric Ireland Shooting Stars programme, which promotes football participation for girls aged between four and seven, and the McDonald’s Fun Football programme which is aimed at encouraging kids of all ages to play the game for the first time.
Northern Ireland Office
As well as the association’s work with children, the Duke and Duchess learnt about the Irish FA’s ‘Stay Onside’ initiative which uses sport to divert young people away from criminality and offending. The programme is delivered in both custodial and community settings.
Northern Ireland
The Royal couple also met Jason Browning, a member of the Northern Ireland Powerchair team, and spent time with graduates of the Irish FA Foundation’s Female Football Leadership programme.
Kensington Royal
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet participants of IFA’s ahead of the Game Mental Health programme which supports clubs and volunteers when dealing with mental health issues with a focus on challenging the stigma and preventative measures.
Kensington Palace
Irish FA President David Martin said: “This was a very special day for the association and for the football family in Northern Ireland. The fact that the Royal couple asked to come to the National Football Stadium and to see the work of the Irish FA first-hand is a tremendous endorsement of the programmes our staff deliver.”
William and Catherine received cute little Northern Ireland Football dress shirts form George, Charlotte and Louis.
Northern Ireland Office
Both William and Catherine joined children on the pitch in a football practice session playing for opposite teams. Duchess playing with children. Chris Ship reported that the children who played football with William and Catherine said, “They were very competitive“. William warns young players about his wife that she “goes for the ankles” while Catherine told the kids that Prince George has declared her football skills as “rubbish”.
Northern Ireland Office
Whenever Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have joint engagement they are guaranteed to be fun. And if they are sports-related we surely are in for a very competitive yet romantic treat. As always today, William and Catherine participated in the field and we saw their chemistry once again.
Video of the first leg of the visit.Kensington Royal
Next stop of the day was Fermanagh. The Duke and Duchess saw the incredible work that the charity Extern is doing at their Roscor Youth Village, which is a residential activity centre for children referred to the charity by social workers or the Department of Justice. The site provides a safe space to help and support these young people, with particular emphasis on outdoor activities and developing independent living skills.
They’re here!A huge Extern welcome to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Roscor#royalvisitni https://t.co/fSoYwShpqW
Externis the leading social justice charity, transforming the lives of 20,000 people each yr by meeting them at their point of need. Extern’s Roscor Youth Village, is on the shores of Lower Lough Erne, Co. Fermanagh, to mark its 21st year. During their visit, The Duke and Duchess met and chatted to children and young people who are currently being supported by Extern at Roscor Youth Village.
Extern Charity
Roscor is a haven of hope, and place of safety, for more than 2,500 children and young people from across the island of Ireland each year. Many come to stay when they are facing challenging situations at home, or in care, and while they are being supported on one of Extern’s programmes. In addition, Roscor also offers an additional 200 children from the Western Health and Social Care Trust access to summer camps each year, so that they can experience a fun-filled holiday break.
Kensington Royal
This visit also comes during Extern’s 40th year. Since 1978, Extern has grown to become the leading social justice charity across the island of Ireland. Today, Extern has over 80 projects operating out of 40 locations, delivering world-class social care interventions to transform the lives of 20,000 people each year. In addition to its work alongside children, young people and families, Extern also supports people who are homeless, or who are living with homelessness, those dealing with mental health and drug and alcohol issues, those living with the impact of suicide, refugees, the Traveller community and people living with an offending past.
Kensington Royal
William and Catherine signed 2 tiles marking the event.
Extern Charity
The Duke and Duchess joined in with the children on a range of the fun activities Roscor offers, including a Canadian raft race on Lough Erne. They were on opposite teams and Duke’s team won.
William and Catherine then met several young people who have previously been supported by Extern, and who are still in touch with Roscor, both as volunteers and as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award. They were keen to develop an understanding of the challenges faced by the children who come to stay at Roscor.
Kensington Royal
Catherine also tried her hand at archery. They heard from Extern’s staff how the educational and fun activities provided by the charity at Roscor enable them to support children to build much-needed resilience and self-confidence around issues they may be facing in their lives.
The Duke and Duchess were also introduced to Derek McCabe, Chair of Extern, members of Extern staff, Howard Thornton, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and Brendan Hegarty, CEO of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.
Speaking about the visit, Charlie Mack, CEO of Extern, said: “We are tremendously honoured to have The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Extern today to learn more about the life-changing work which goes on at our Roscor Youth Village. Childhood should be a safe, happy, and precious time, but unfortunately, when things go wrong at home, or in care, it is often children who feel the brunt. That’s where Roscor makes a difference. While here, children feel safe, and through world-class specialist social care interventions we help them build resilience and empower them to plot a brighter future for themselves. Extern applauds the work Their Royal Highnesses are undertaking to raise awareness about the many challenges which children still face in our society today, including around mental health and wellbeing. Extern is committed to transforming lives, and here at Roscor, providing children with the opportunity to discover strengths and abilities they never knew they had is a vital part of that vision. It was a joy to see their Royal Highnesses share our vision in their genuine interest and engagement with everyone at Roscor today.”
Duchess helped kids in setting up a tent. At the end of their visit, a bowl created by the young people was presented to William and Catherine, along with a posy of flowers.
Kensington Royal
The Duke and Duchess also helped create a tile to be included in Roscor’s Wall of Hope, a visual centrepiece which contains expressions of hope by children who visit Roscor.
Ending the day back in Belfast at the iconic Empire Music Hall, Their Royal Highnesses will attend a party celebrating young people who are making a real difference in Northern Ireland. The band LARKS will take to the stage, and guests will encompass representatives from Northern Ireland’s business, arts and sports sectors, including Dame Mary Peters who was today appointed Lady Companion of the Noblest of the Garter by Her Majesty The Queen.
For the arrival, Duchess of Cambridge wore the bright red Carolina Herrera Double-breasted coat. We first saw the coat in September 2016 during the Canada tour. She again wore the coat in Paris in 2017.
Carolina Herrera Double-breasted coat
Coming from label’s 2016 Fall Collection the coat is crafted from wool and cashmere blend.
Duchess had a quick outfit change for a session of football practice at the pitch. She was wearing NavyWomen’s Barbour Longshore Quilted Jacket. Thanks to PerthsFashion for the id. The jacket is available on OutdoorandCountry in Navy, Clover, Marigold and Powder Blue.
The £159.95 jacket is described as, “Perfect for adding warmth on those chillier days, the Women’s Barbour Longshore Quilted Jacket has been designed with style and practicality in mind to keep you looking your best and feeling cosy whether you are out in the town or country. The Longshore boasts a chevron quilted design, with detailing at the waist to offer you not only an on-trend feel but also a figure-flattering look that you are sure to love. For ease of movement and added comfort, there are stretch panels to the sides of the jacket. Boasting a full zip that fastens up to a funnel neckline, this jacket is sure to keep those cool winds at bay, with the two front zip fasten pockets providing the ideal place to store your personal essentials whilst you are out and about. Place over your favourite Barbour sweater to complete your fashion-forward look with ease”.
Underneath the jacket, Duchess was wearing Ralph Lauren Joy Cricket Jumper. Huge thanks to lovely Lauren Parkinson on twitter for the id. The €139, its colour is described as mascarpone cream, the knitted sweater has vee-neckline with blue and red stripes on neckline, hemline and cuffs. The sweater is not available anymore.
The £80.00 trainers are described as, “Upgrade your workouts in these lightweight trainers. Ideal for studio workouts with a comfortable bootie construction and a stretch heel with loop for easy slip-on. Fresh Foam engineered cushioning helps you run freely without sacrificing a soft landing”.
Earlier this week it was reported that Duke and Duchess have spent last week that was the half-term break for Prince George and Princess Charlotte, in Norfolk at their country residence Anmer Hall. Rebecca English reported that Duchess took George and Charlotte to a luxury spa on Tuesday. From her article, “Wearing a maroon swimsuit, she tried to blend in amongst relaxing couples but onlookers quickly spotted the family during their half-hour splash about. Kate apparently organised swimming races for the children and afterwards, they practised little dives off the side. The royal trio then all went into the sauna and steam room. Apparently George, naturally, won all the races. They said: ‘He was swimming front like a dog paddle style and jumping in from a squatting position the side. Charlotte was doing sitting dives. She was squatting on the side with her arms up in dive position, she kept saying “Look mummy I’m diving in”. Kate was very encouraging. At one point George went under and Kate had to grab him, he became a bit tearful and clung to her but then he soon went off again.’ Neither the little prince and princess had armbands on and were ‘super confidant’ in the water.
