The Baron and Baroness of Carrickfergus Begin Two-Day Visit to Northern Ireland!

The Baron and Baroness of Carrickfergus arrived in Belfast this afternoon for a surprise two-day visit to Northern Ireland.

The couple returned to London over the weekend following a week at their Norfolk country home Anmer Hall where they spent half-term. Kate was spotted at a luxury spa last week with George and Charlotte. In her article for the Mail, Rebecca English reported: "Wearing a maroon swimsuit, she tried to blend in amongst relaxing couples but onlookers quickly spotted the family during their half-hour splash about. Kate apparently organised swimming races for the children and afterwards they practised little dives off the side. The royal trio then all went into the sauna and steam room. Apparently George, naturally, won all the races. They said: ‘He was swimming front like a dog paddle style and jumping in from a squatting position the side. Charlotte was doing sitting dives. She was squatting on the side with her arms up in dive position, she kept saying "Look mummy I’m diving in". Kate was very encouraging. At one point George went under and Kate had to grab him, he became a bit tearful and clung to her but then he soon went off again.’ Neither the little prince and princess had arm bands on and were ‘super confidant’ in the water. "

For security reasons, royal visits to Northern Ireland tend to be kept under wraps until the day they are due to begin. William and Kate have made several day visit there since 2011, I've been hoping they would return this year for a lengthier trip and was very pleased to see news of an overnight stay. Over the course of today and tomorrow, they are visiting Belfast, Fermanagh and Ballymena to celebrate young people.

Kensington Palace said: "Day one will have a strong focus on the positive impact that sport, nature and the outdoors can have on childhood development, and improved physical and mental health for all."

Their first port of call was Windsor Park football stadium, home of the Irish Football Association (IFA).

The couple were greeted by local well-wishers upon arrival. One little boy, wearing a waistcoat and bow tie, caught Kate's eye in particular. She laughed when he stuck his tongue out.

Prince William greets a group of young people.

William and Kate toured the Irish FA’s Education and Heritage Centre.

William and Kate were welcomed by former Northern Ireland footballer Pat Jennings OBE. Mr Jennings played 119 games for Northern Ireland as a goalkeeper, a figure which at the time was a world record and is still a Northern Ireland record, in an international career which lasted for over two decades.

They saw how the facility tells the unique story of Northern Ireland football using a variety of media and interactive displays.

Irish FA Director of Football Development Michael Boyd said: "It was a fantastic privilege to welcome the Duke and Duchess to the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park and to tell them about the work that the Irish FA Foundation does promoting football for all, health, education and employability serving communities right across Northern Ireland. The Royal couple were really interested in the projects we deliver, and it was a massive boost for our staff and our participants to meet them and to be encouraged by them."

They viewed the British Championship trophy, won by Northern Ireland when it was last played in 1984.

Then it was time for a quick change...

...And a kickabout.

The Baron and Baroness watched primary school children from across Belfast take part in some of the Irish Football Association Foundation’s award-winning initiatives such as the Shooting Stars programme, which promotes football participation for girls aged between four and seven, and the McDonald’s Fun Football programme which is aimed at encouraging kids of all ages to play the game for the first time. 

The Shooting Star programme aims to help girls learn through play, make new friends while developing the fundamentals for football. It is an exciting new project that can benefit local clubs also through coach mentoring/ volunteering opportunities in this age group.

Kate asked the group about their experiences. 

A hug for this little one :)

Sporty Kate got into the spirit of the game.

A great photo of the couple.

They were both very much in their element.

Enjoying plenty of fun moments on the pitch.

More from the Evening Standard:

'Kate told secondary school pupils that her five-year-old son, Prince George, is now learning to play the sport, practising at home and telling her: “Mummy, you’re so rubbish.”

The Duchess joined girls aged four to seven, who were taking part in a Shooting Stars programme to encourage young women into football. “Do you like doing sport?” the Duchess asked a group of them, crouching down to their level. “Thank you so much for letting me play.

“Do any of you want to play football professionally?” Told yes, she said: “Wow!” Clare Carson, girls’ participation officer at the IFA, said: “She was saying if she had played football when she was younger, she might have loved it as well. “She was happily surprised it’s now now just the norm to play as girls.”

William and Kate learned about the Irish FA’s ‘Stay Onside’ initiative which uses sport to divert young people away from criminality and offending.

They met a number of officials and representatives from Irish FA including President David Martin who said: "This was a very special day for the association and for the football family in Northern Ireland. The fact that the Royal couple asked to come to the National Football Stadium and to see the work of the Irish FA first-hand is a tremendous endorsement of the programmes our staff deliver.".

Before leaving, they met participants in the FA's 'Ahead of the Game' mental health initiative which supports clubs and volunteers by focusing on challenging the stigma and introducing preventative measures.

The video below has excellent footage from the engagement.

They were given green jerseys for George, Charlotte and Louis by three youngsters. William asked the children if they enjoy football and Kate replied: "They were teaching me some football skills, they're very good".

William and Kate then travelled to Fermanagh for their next engagement. 

They visited the charity Extern at their Roscor Youth Village, which is a residential activity centre for children referred to the charity by social workers or the Department of Justice. The site provides a safe space to help and support these young people, with particular emphasis on outdoor activities and developing independent living skills.

Kate joined a group of teenagers for archery.

William tried several activities. This is one of the best photos from the visit.

William and Kate signed tiles which feature designs from 40 young people.

A closer look.

There was a spot of friendly competition between the couple during a canoe race.

Prince William's team was victorious.

A video from the outdoorsy afternoon.

The Duchess sported two looks for the day featuring a mix and match of new and repeated pieces from her wardrobe. 

The Duchess wore her red Carolina Herrera coat, first seen in Canada in 2016 and worn again for a Rugby match in Paris in 2017. The double-breasted red coat features a peter pan collar and is made of a double-faced wool and a cashmere mix blend. It retails for $1,915 and is only available in store.

The Duchess wore her L.K. Bennett Marissa boots. The £295 boots are described as a "classic style featuring four eyelet lacing, an almond shape toe and a high block heel. Marissa is the perfect boot for dressing up the simplest of winter looks."

Kate accessorised with her Kiki McDonough Lauren earrings.

Kate wore her trusty Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.

For a more casual look, Kate changed into the Barbour Longshore Quilted Jacket. The £159 piece in navy/marigold is described as "The ultimate utility jacket, this piece from Barbour is designed with a funnel collar to keep out the chill, exposed zip front fastening and doubled up pockets on either breast panel. The curved hem softens the structure." It's available at John Lewis and Next.

Kate's sweater is the sold out Ralph Lauren Cable-Knit Cricket Sweater (with thanks to Bojana).

And Kate's new trainers are the Sweaty Betty x New Balance Fresh Foam Cruz style (with thanks to Middleton Maven).

Later, William and Kate will attend a party in Belfast celebrating young people who are making a real difference in Northern Ireland.