Kate Middletonfaced an uncomfortable situation during a walkabout during hervisit to Northern IrelandwithPrince William.
During a walkabout outside Carrickfergus Castle on Thursday, the Princess of Wales greeted well-wishers. However, when she reached out to shake the hand of one woman who was recording the encounter on her phone, the woman took her hand and appeared to tell the royal, “Nice to meet you, but it would be better if it was when you were in your own country.”
Kate continued to smile and moved on to shake other people’s hands, but the woman then added: “Ireland belongs to the Irish.”
Northern Ireland makes up the U.K. along with England, Scotland and Wales. However, there has been controversy and conflict since England first occupied Ireland in the 1600s. In 1920, an act was passed that split the country into Northern Ireland, part of the U.K., and the Republic of Ireland.
The lateQueen Elizabethaddressed the rift between the two countries in 2011 at a state banquet in Dublin.
“It is a sad and regrettable reality that through history our islands have experienced more than their fair share of heartache, turbulence and loss … with the benefit of historical hindsight we can all see things which we wish had been done differently, or not at all,” she said, according toThe Guardian.
Kate Middleton.Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty
The Queen added, “To all those who have suffered as a consequence of our troubled past, I extend my sincere thoughts and deep sympathy.”
Kate Middleton.Liam McBurney-Pool/Getty
Prince Williamand Kate, both 40, made the one-day trip to Northern Ireland on Thursday, marking their first visit there since they became the Prince and Princess of Wales following the Queen’s death on Sept. 8.
Their day started at thePIPS Suicide Prevention Irelandin Belfast, which provides crisis support for those at risk of suicide and self-harm. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has seen a significant rise in those reaching out for help, including an increase of over 500% among young people. Children are helped through art therapy, and the couple joined volunteers in packing “Little Boxes of Hope” care packages that are given to children following their time with the charity to aid their recovery.
Kate Middleton.Phil Noble - Pool/Getty Images
Prince Williamand Princess Kate spoke to charity staff and counselors about the life-saving work, including how it has striven to remove barriers to support those experiencing suicidal thoughts. Some initiatives are its “no appointment needed” service and work to train reception staff to help members of the public in distress.
Their trip also included a lighthearted contest at Trademarket, whereKate and Prince William got behind the barand faced off to see who could mix a cocktail the quickest. Working from separate stations, the royals quickly poured and shook the spirits, reuniting to toast — and sip! — the pink drinks.
Kate Middleton and Prince William.Charles McQuillan/Getty
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source: people.com
