SURPRISE: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge undertook a two day visit to Belfast, Fermanagh and Ballymena that celebrated the young people of Northern Ireland. The visit was previously unannounced and was quite a surprise to many. Their Royal Highnesses started their visit meeting waiting crowds in Belfast outside of the Windsor Park Football Stadium. Inside, William and Catherine met Northern Ireland goalkeeping legend Pat Jennings and toured the Irish FA’s Education and Heritage Centre, they also viewed viewed the British Championship trophy, won by Northern Ireland won in 1984.

SHOOTING STARS: After a quick change of clothes it was time for the Duke and Duchess to hit the field. William and Catherine joined young girls from the Irish Football Association’s outreach programmes, ‘Shooting Stars’ which encourages young girls to play football and ‘Ahead of the Game’ which works to support clubs and volunteers when dealing with mental health issues, with a focus on challenging the stigma and preventative measures. The Duke and Duchess chatted with the girls before joining them in a kickabout. After all the fun, the Duke and Duchess were presented with Northern Ireland shirts for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis! Before departing this engagement Willam and Catherine met with participants in ‘Ahead of the Game’ programme, officials and representatives from Irish Football Association.

VIDEOS: The Cambridges Join Children on the Pitch | Gifts for George, Louis, and Charlotte

OUTDOOR FUN: For their next engagement the Duke and Duchess traveled to Fermanagh where they visited Extern’s Roscor Youth Village, a residential activity centre that provides a safe space to help and support young people and with a strong emphasis on supporting young people through outdoor activities and developing independent living skills. William and Catherine joined the young people in a number of activities, a few interestingly enough we’ve seen them take part in on a number of tours, like archery, and canoe racing.

VIDEOS Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Go Canoeing in Northern Ireland

GET THE PARTY STARTED: For the evening engagement the Duke and Duchess were up to more adult activities as they attended a party at Empire Music Hall to celebrate young people who are making a real difference in Northern Ireland. William and Catherine took turns pulling pints. The Duke and Duchess were joined by representatives from Northern Ireland’s business, arts and sport sectors. Hosted by the Queen’s representative Mrs Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle CBE. Dame Mary Peters was appointed Lady Companion of the Most Noble of the Garter by Her Majesty The Queen earlier in the day.

VIDEOS: The Duke & Duchess Pull Pints

GALLERY LINKS
Tour Photos – 2019 – Northern Ireland Visit – February 27 | Northern Ireland Visit – Day 1 – Set 1
Tour Photos – 2019 – Northern Ireland Visit – February 27 | Northern Ireland Visit – Day 1 – Set 2
Tour Photos – 2019 – Northern Ireland Visit – February 27 | Northern Ireland Visit – Day 1 – Set 3