The Duchess of Cambridge was all smiles as she held a tarantula named ‘Charlotte’ during a visit to Ulster University’s Magee Campus’ petting zoo in Northern Ireland with Prince William today – after stunning at the No Time To Die premiere last night in a custom Jenny Packham golden gown.
For today’s outing, Kate, who also admired a snake held by her husband and enjoyed a pint of Guinness at the students’ union, opted to wear a magenta trouser suit, which she paired with a navy turtleneck and matching heels. Meanwhile Prince William opted for a smart navy suit for the occasion.
The couple, both 39, arrived in Derry-Londonderry this afternoon where they will spend the day meeting young people and hearing how organisations are engaging across communities to promote positive relations. It is their first time in this area of Northern Ireland.
While Kate and William last visited Northern Ireland in March 2019, the Duchess also visited the country in February 2020, weeks before the Covid-19 lockdown, to promote her Early Years survey.
Their visit today comes amid a busy week for the couple, who attended the glittering, star-studded premiere for the new James Bond film No Time To Die at the Royal Albert Hall last night in London, alongside The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.
Kicking off the day, the Duke and Duchess visited Ulster University’s Magee Campus to meet with student nurses whom they previously spoke to via video call.
Kate, dressed in a magenta trouser suit, showed no fear as she handled a tarantula called Charlotte from Kidz Farm during a tour of the Ulster University Magee Campus in Northern Ireland
Getting into the spirit! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge enjoy some beverages when touring the university this afternoon
Gently does it! The Duchess of Cambridge observes as her husband the Duke of Cambridge handles a snake during their tour
The Duchess of Cambridge cut an elegant figure as she stepped out in a magenta trouser suit while visiting Northern Ireland with Prince William today
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What an entrance! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (pictured together) and the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall attended the glittering world premiere of the new James Bond film No Time To Die last night
The Duchess swept her brunette locks into a high ponytail and opted for neutral makeup for the occasion.
The mother-of-three could be seen carrying a small navy bag, but kept her accessories to a minimum, allowing her bold and colourful outfit to do all the talking.
When speaking to the student nurses earlier this year, the Duke and Duchess heard more about their experiences of studying during the pandemic, and of undertaking placements on the frontline of the COVID-19 response in Northern Ireland.
Today, they will hear how their studies are progressing since they spoke in February.
Beaming: The grinning Duke and Duchess of Cambridge couldn’t stop smiling as they held the creatures at the petting zoo
Holding it carefully! The Duke of Cambridge observes as the Duchess of Cambridge handles a tarantula called Charlotte from Kidz Farm during a tour of the Ulster University Magee Campus
Can’t believe it! The royal couple appeared equally in disbelief and impressed when the duchess held a tarantula on her hands
Loving it! Kate appeared calm and collected as she gently held a tiny bird in her hand when visiting the Kidz Farm during a tour of the Ulster University Magee Campus
Confidence is key! The Duke of Cambridge appeared to show no fear when handling a snake during the royal couple’s visit
Prince William and Kate are also set to see a specially designed simulated ambulance – the only one of its kind in the region – built on campus to train the very first year group on the brand new BSc Hons Paramedic Science programme in Northern Ireland.
This course, which started just last week, is offered by the University to support the development of the paramedic profession in Northern Ireland and further afield.
The Duke and Duchess are then meeting with the first cohort of medical students accepted into the University’s new School of Medicine, established this year in response to the nationwide shortage in the medical workforce.
The new School will develop a new generation of doctors who will work in Northern Ireland and beyond, once their studies are compete. It has received a £1m investment and now boasts high-tech, high-spec facilities.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge talk with medical students during a tour of the Ulster University Magee Campus
Once inside the hospital, Prince William and Kate placed on cloth face masks and made their way to meet medical students
Prince William and Kate (above) also saw a specially designed simulated ambulance – the only one of its kind in the region – built on campus to train the very first year group on the brand new BSc Hons Paramedic Science programme in Northern Ireland
A medical student at the university in Northern Ireland chats with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge about her studies
Medical students chat with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and explain their university studies during the outing today
The university course, which started just last week, is offered by the institution to support the development of the paramedic profession in Northern Ireland and further afield. Pictured, Kate and William tour the facilities
Deep in concentration: The Duke and Duchess talk with nursing students during a tour of the Ulster University Magee Campus
As well as observing some of the practical tools and lessons the students have access to, Prince William and Kate are also dropping into the Student Union as it hosts a ‘Culture Shock’ event.
Here, they will join students to understand their university experience outside of their studies and hear how such events are promoting an inclusive student body.
As part of the event The Duke and Duchess will have the opportunity to sample some Northern Irish food and drinks: from whiskey to wheaten bread and Tayto crisps.
Students will teach them some local expressions and to finish they will hear some of the University’s talented music students playing traditional instruments.
The royal couple met with nursing students and community members during their visit to the Ulster University Magee Campus
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with community members when visiting the Magee University in Londonderry today
Kate Middleton opted to wear a purple trouser suit for the occasion, which she paired with a navy turtleneck and matching heels
The Duke and Duchess beamed as they strode across the campus today to meet with nursing students during their royal visit to Northern Ireland
The mother-of-three beamed as she walked alongside her husband Prince William, who opted for a navy suit for the occasion
Kate’s previous visit, which came weeks before the world came to a standstill amid the Covid-19 crisis, saw Kate visit The Ark Open Farm in Newtownards, Northern Ireland to speak to local parents and grandparents about their experiences of raising young children and their thoughts on the early years.
It comes amid a whirlwind week for the couple, who yesterday attended the James Bond premiere in London.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 39, joined Charles, 72, Camilla, 74, and her husband Prince William to meet 007 star Daniel Craig and other cast members including Rami Malek, Lea Seydoux and Lashana Lynch at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Royal sources said the outing of Charles, Camilla, William and Kate could herald a ‘new era’ of collaboration and solidarity between the future king and his eldest son.
Putting safety first, Kate donned a face covering during parts of the event today, while finishing her look with a smattering of glamorous makeup
It comes amid a whirlwind week for the couple, who yesterday attended the James Bond premiere in London
The couple arrived in Derry-Londonderry where they will spend the day meeting young people and hearing how organisations are engaging across communities to promote positive relations
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive for a visit to the Ulster University Magee Campus
The royal foursome were introduced to screenwriters Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade at last nights event, as well as singer Billie Eilish and her musician brother Finneas O’Connell, who co-wrote the new Bond theme song.
A number of healthcare workers and members of the armed forces joined the royals in the auditorium to watch the film as a thank you for their work during the Covid pandemic.
The highly anticipated No Time To Die is the 25th Bond film and fifth and final movie featuring Craig as 007. It faced more than a year of delays due to the Covid-19 outbreak, but is being released in UK cinemas on Thursday.
William and Kate attended the star-studded world premiere for the last Bond film, Spectre, in 2015, and were joined by Prince Harry. Charles and Camilla attended the world premiere of the 23rd Bond film, Skyfall, in 2012.