Day two of the Baron and Baroness of Carrickfergus' visit to Northern Ireland focused on organisations working to create a brighter future for the next generation.
The day began at Hillsborough Castle where they met with members of the Police Service Northern Ireland.
The private meeting saw the couple meet members of the PSNI who have been affected by mental health issues.
They discussed the challenges policing presents and support mechanisms.
A royal source told The Mirror: "William and Kate requested to meet the police officers and the staff at the PSNI to discuss the work being done to provide mental mental support for those in the service. William has spoken candidly about how he was supported during his time as an air ambulance pilot and he was very interested in the concept of sharing of ideas and experiences between all of the emergency services and armed forces so that the best results can be achieved. The Duke and Duchess had some great ideas about how that can work across the country and it's something they are both passionate about."
Chief Constable George Hamilton said "It was lovely that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had asked to meet police officers to get an understanding of the pressure they're under from a wellbeing perspective. I think the staff certainly appreciated the opportunity to talk to Their Royal Highnesses".
From there, William and Kate travelled to Ballymena, a town in Country Antrim.
A very warm welcome awaited the couple with a large crowd cheering as they arrived.
The Duchess greeted locals and thanked them for coming out.
Kate was particularly taken by one little boy named James. She told his Dad Alan: "He's gorgeous. It makes me broody". Alan laughed and asked "Baby number four?". Kate replied "I think William would be a little worried".
🎥 Little James Barr was a huge hit with the Duchess of Cambridge here in Ballymena.— Damien Edgar (@damien_edgar7) February 28, 2019
Kate Middleton joked that he’s “making her feel broody”! 👶🏼 pic.twitter.com/LRRVK137zD
Nine-year-old Hannah Ritchie told Kate she's writing a biography of her for school.
She knelt down and asked Hannah if she had any questions for her. Hannah asked her why she likes being a princess. Kate said meeting "special people like you" much to Hannah's delight. The Duchess added: "I love working with young people. Everyone is so brave and strong in some of the places we go. It's very nice to meet you. Good luck with the biography." Valentine Low captured a video of the meeting.
This is Kate telling Hannah what she likes about being a princess. Video courtesy of Bronagh Dobbin. pic.twitter.com/QsVW6BesG0— Valentine Low (@valentinelow) February 28, 2019
More from The Telegraph:
Kate's private secretary Catherine Quinn was by her side.
'Teacher Susan McKeegan said: "I told her that in literacy we are doing biography, and one of my pupils is doing a biography about her. She asked who the pupil was. I introduced her to Hannah. She very nicely went over and spoke to her, and asked if she had any questions."
Ms McKeegan told the Duchess: "She is going to have a quote direct from you for the biography!" She added: "Hannah was excited, and really hoping she would get a chance to speak to her. She [Kate] was lovely and genuine."
Kate's private secretary Catherine Quinn was by her side.
And longtime protection officer Emma Probert.
A wave from Prince William.
A video from the walkabout.
Their next stop was the Braids Arts Centre.
They visited the charity Cinemagic, who have used film, television and digital technologies to engage with over 500,000 young people.
The charity uses visual arts to increase opportunities and develop skills for young people from all backgrounds.
Cinemagic embraces the magic of film and offers young people the chance to develop real skills, explore opportunities, and reaffirm their belief in what they want to do and their own ability to achieve it. The charity has recently produced two feature films, A CHRISTMAS STAR and GRACE AND GOLIATH; secured worldwide distribution for both films; developed award-winning “behind the scene” documentaries; produced over 100 short films; and supported hundreds of young trainees to secure work in the film and television industry. Well known patrons that share in its ethos include Pierce Brosnan, Liam Neeson Saoirse Ronan, Colin Farrell, Suranne Jones, Paula Malcomson and Julian Fellowes.
They watched a brief performance.
A video of the couple participating in an arts and crafts session.
Their final stop was a visit to Ballymena and Little Steps Sure Start.
The programme supports parents with children aged under four years old living in disadvantaged areas in Northern Ireland. William and Kate learned about some of the different programmes that Sure Start provides to understand how the organisation supports parents and provides best practice for early years work.
There was a darling moment when Kate met a little girl in the creche wearing a pink tutu.
She gave Kate a little bunch of daffodils. Tomorrow is St David's Day in Wales, daffodils are traditionally worn to mark the day.
Another photo of the meeting? Definitely :)
During a chat with parents, they discussed parenthood struggles. More from Hello!
'The Duchess of Cambridge bonded with fellow mothers over their parenting experiences during her visit to Ballymena on Thursday. Kate, who is mum to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, chatted to parents at the St Joseph’s SureStart facility, where she praised mothers who had overcome their "struggle" with breastfeeding.
Speaking after the visit, one mum, Rebecca White, said: "They were really encouraging about breastfeeding. They said we were all doing a good job, that it was really hard, it was a struggle and well done for keeping going."
The Duke and Duchess also spoke about the sleep deprivation they experience with their three young children, saying they choose to get up in the night whenever George, Charlotte or Louis wake rather than rely on their staff. Kathryn Ward, a 26-year-old mother-of-two, revealed: "They were chatting a bit about sleep deprivation. Even though they get the help that they have, they’re still parents as well and want to get up with their own kids. So they understand the stresses and pressures were going through, even though they got a couple of people more hands on. They were fantastic. Really on our level."
A video from the final engagement.
Kate hit a stylish note in the lavender blue Mulberry Ashleigh cape coat.
The £1995 lavender blue coat is described as "A reinterpretation of the iconic trench, the full length Ashleigh Coat takes a new look at the trench design, featuring a removable shoulder cape, oversized collar and a belt to cinch the waist." It's been sold out for some time.
The coat is from the Autumn/Winter 2018 Collection.
Several of you noted the coat is reminiscent of several of the designs worn by Emily Blunt in the recent Mary Poppins Returns movie.
And of course the one and only Julie Andrews.
Others noted similarities between the look and the Beauxbatons from Harry Potter.
The Duchess wore a bespoke fitted Jenny Packham dress in rich blue.
A closer look at the belt.
The Duchess wore her navy suede Rupert Sanderson Malory pumps.
And accessorised with Diana's sapphire and diamond earrings.
A quick recap of Kate's Northern Ireland wardrobe: Yesterday, the Duchess arrived in her red Carolina Herrera coat and L.K. Bennett boots before quickly changing into the Barbour Longshore Quilted Jacket, Ralph Lauren sweater, and Sweaty Betty x New Balance trainers. Last night, it was a mint green Missoni lurex dress with Kiki McDonough jewellery and Gianvito Rossi pumps and a Mulberry clutch. And today it was Mulberry and Jenny Packham.
And that's a wrap for William and Kate's Northern Ireland visit. The trip encompassed their interests in mental health and working with young people combined with their love of sports and the outdoors. I was delighted to see Dame Mary Peters honoured at the reception last night, it was incredibly fitting for the couple to meet her on the day she was appointed Lady Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter by Her Majesty the Queen. Today's walkabout was another highlight with quotes and great interaction. We've seen several historic trips to Northern Ireland in recent years and I've long been hoping to see William and Kate undertake a longer visit there. As the future King and Queen Consort, it's vital they utilize these years to forge links across the UK and Commonwealth. Speaking of which, I do hope we'll see a royal tour for the Cambridges soon. Where would you like to see them visit?
We also have word on engagements for the couple next week:
Tuesday, 5 March - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will join the Queen and members of the royal family for a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark the 50th anniversary of the investiture of the Prince of Wales.
Wednesday, 6 March - An away day in Blackpool for the Duke and Duchess. They will first visit Blackpool Tower where they will join a roundtable briefing about the town’s recent history and investments underway. William and Kate will spend time on ‘Comedy Carpet’ on the promenade. From there, it's Blackpool Central Library where they will join two separate discussions focusing on issues and initiatives of particular relevance to each of their ongoing charitable interests. The Duchess will continue her work on early childhood and join people involved in Blackpool’s ‘A Better Start’ programme. Finally, the Duke and Duchess will visit Revoe Park, a recently revamped community garden and park that has been transformed.
What were your highlights of Royal Visit Belfast?
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