Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamare shaking things up!
The newPrince and Princess of Wales, both 40, competed in a bartending battle during theirsurprise trip to Northern Irelandon Thursday.
The royals stopped in Trademarket, a new outdoor street food and retail market in the heart of Belfast, where they headed behind the bar for a friendly competition to see who would be the fastest to create a cocktail.
“Who did it better?” the Prince and Princess of Wales' Twitter account captioned aclipof the couple racing to make drinks.
Working from separate stations, the royals quickly poured and shook the spirits, reuniting to toast — and sip! — the mint-garnished pink drinks.
Prince William and Kateare known to show off their competitive sides on occasion during royal outings, whetherfacing off in a sailing raceorrolling dough balls at a bakery.
After competing in the cocktail contest, William and Kate chatted with vendors and heard about the measures that have been put in place to ensure the site is both ethically and environmentally sustainable, such as removing single-use plastics and a commitment to paying staff a living wage.
Prince William and Kate Middleton.Phil Noble - Pool/Getty Images
They also greeted well-wishers who gathered to catch a glimpse at the royal couple — andPrince Williamknelt to give some pets to a pair of dogs in the crowds. The couple has a family dog namedOrla(a Celtic name meaning “golden princess”) at home, who starred alongsidePrincess Charlottein the royal’s7th birthday portraits.
Kate Middleton.Phil Noble - Pool/Getty Images
The stop was the royal couple’s second of the day. The Prince and Princess kicked off the trip with a visit toPIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland (PIPS Charity)in Belfast, which provides crisis support for those at risk of suicide and self-harm.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, PIPS 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 William and Kate joined with volunteer counselors in packing up the charity’s “Little Boxes of Hope” care packages that are given to children following their time with the charity to aid their recovery and ensure that their parents and guardians feel better equipped to cope.
Phil Noble - Pool/Getty Images
The couple 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.
After spending time at Trademarket, the royals made their final stop of the day in Carrickfergus, which is about 12 miles from Belfast. They chatted with young people and mentors at the charity Carrick Connect, which helps teens who are navigating emotional or social difficulties.
Prince William and Kate Middleton.Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty Images
William and Kate have been at work through the week, quietly emphasizing that despite their new titles and change in status within the ranks of the royal family, they remain dedicated to their ongoing work in key areas.
On Tuesday, the prince made a forceful speech about the scourge of illegal wildlife poaching and trade, while on Wednesday, the new Princess of Walesmet with medical professionals and parents at a maternity unitin a hospital just south of London.
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Kate Middleton cradles a newborn at Royal Surrey County Hospital.Kate Middleton cradles a newborn at Royal Surrey County Hospital.PHOTO: Alastair Grant - WPA Pool/Getty ImagesPHOTO: Rui Viera/AP/Shutterstock
Kate Middleton cradles a newborn at Royal Surrey County Hospital.
Kate Middleton cradles a newborn at Royal Surrey County Hospital.PHOTO: Alastair Grant - WPA Pool/Getty ImagesPHOTO: Rui Viera/AP/Shutterstock
Prince Williamalso spent part of Wednesday showing his support for grassroots soccer as he heralded the 10th anniversary of the Football Association’s center of excellence and training, St. George’s Park.
Prince Williamand Princess Kate’s visit to Northern Ireland follows that ofKing Charles IIIandQueen Camilla, who traveled over the Irish Sea to Belfast in the early days of his new reign.
The visit came amid King Charles' mission to tour all four nations of the United Kingdom soon after the death of his mother,Queen Elizabeth.
source: people.com
