Tuesday 8 March 2011

Prince William in Belfast


I've been out all day and I received a text message from my aunt apprising me of the wonderful news that Prince William and his fiancee, Catherine (Kate) Middleton have been in Northern Ireland:-

His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales, accompanied by Miss Catherine Middleton, arrived at Belfast City Airport and is expected to undertake a number of engagements throughout the day.

HRH and Miss Middleton were greeted by Dame Mary Peters DBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast, and went on to meet The Right Honourable Owen Paterson MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, who will accompany the couple during the visit.

This is the first visit of Prince William and Miss Middleton to Northern Ireland since the announcement of their engagement on 16 November 2010.

HRH and Miss Middleton became engaged in October during a private holiday in Kenya.

Following the marriage, the couple will live in north Wales, where Prince William will continue to serve with the Royal Air Force.

His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales, accompanied by Miss Catherine Middleton, has met The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of Belfast at Belfast City Hall.

The Royal Couple are being accompanied during their visit in Northern Ireland by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

His Royal Highness and Miss Middleton accepted a gift of a framed photograph of City Hall and a book on the architectural history of the one hundred and five year old iconic building. The Lord Mayor also invited them to sign the visitors’ book.

In the Marble Hallway, HRH and Miss Middleton had the opportunity to speak to Council members and staff.

Outside in the grounds of Belfast’s landmark City Hall, The Couple met representatives from the ‘Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children’ who were hosting a Shrove Tuesday fund-raising event to benefit local children and their families.

Prince William and Miss Middleton are expected to undertake a number of other engagements later today.

5 comments :

Sandy said...

It was her first time in NI, apparently.
I hope she will visit many more times.

Timothy Belmont said...

Hello from the Canaries, Sandy! Yes she seems to be a lovely person, probably unflappable, which is always useful for public roles.

madpierre said...

A beautiful Lady indeed, and appeared very at ease talking with the people who had gathered to greet them.

Timothy Belmont said...

Mad Pierre, a gallon of DD ale is hastily required. I've moved on and are you sober (unlike moi)? Ha!

madpierre said...

Not too sober Saturday night anyway!!! Out at the pavillion bar and had a few pints some good talent there by the way!!!!