Britain's Royal Family members William and Kate made their first visit to Northern Ireland in their new roles as Prince and Princess of Wales on Thursday, October 6.
The Royal couple arrived shortly before noon for engagements with cross-community organizations. William's father King Charles visited 39 times during his time as Prince of Wales.
They began with a visit to the suicide prevention charity PIPS in North Belfast where they met with staff and counselors to hear about their work, and children bereaved through suicide.
It’s wonderful to be back in Northern Ireland today!
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 6, 2022
According to RTÉ, since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic the organization says it has seen a significant rise in those reaching out for help, including an increase of over 500% amongst young people.
The charity also arranged for them to take part in an art therapy session - painting pumpkins - with some vulnerable children who have been supported by PIPS.
They also took part in a cocktail-making race at a market in Belfast before heading to Carrickfergus to visit a youth charity.
The Prince and Princess of Wales had a cocktail making competition at Trademarket, Belfast during their visit to NI today 🍸 pic.twitter.com/Tva65WQRTi
— Sara Girvin (@SaraGirvin) October 6, 2022
They learned about the work of Carrick Connect, which offers support services to local young people experiencing social or emotional difficulties.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were given the titles of Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth upon their marriage in 2011.
Belfast Lord Mayor Tina Black and Sinn Féin MP John Finucane were among those who welcomed the royal couple at their first engagement.
The Prince and Princess then traveled to Trademarket, a recently opened outdoor street food and retail market on the Dublin Road.
They had further engagements in Co Antrim this afternoon.
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* Originally published on British Heritage Travel's sister site IrishCentral.com
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