Prince William and Kate Middleton thank Northern Ireland following trip

The Prince and Princess of Wales paid thanks to Northern Ireland for hosting them following a trip to Belfast today – despite Kate Middleton being challenged by an Irish nationalist during an impromptu walkabout.

Prince William and Kate, both 40, shared a message on their official social media pages, writing: ‘Thank you for having us, Northern Ireland!’

Meanwhile the couple posted a swish video showing a highlights reel of their trip, including a clip of the royal mother-of-three making a cocktail, and Prince William playing with a pair of dogs.

Their message came hours after Kate was confronted by a woman during a walkabout, who told her that ‘Ireland belongs to the Irish’ during the meet and greet in north Belfast this afternoon.

Do you know the woman who heckled the Princess of Wales? 

While shaking hands with the princess, the woman said: ‘Nice to meet you but it would be better if it was when you were in your own country.’

The woman, who was wearing an emerald green cardigan, appeared to be videoing the exchange on a mobile phone. 

A stunned Kate, who managed to keep her composure throughout the exchange, laughed and let go of the woman’s hand before continuing to smile and greet other members of the crowd.

The clip, which was shared earlier tonight by the couple, featured a number of clips from the stay today, including the walkabout.

However the incident with the woman in the green jumper wasn’t included in the video.

Instead, Kate was seen greeting school-children and the camera panned across a crowd of waving royal fans.

In another clip, Prince William was seen chatting to members of the public. 

Observers took to social media to praise Kate for ‘handling the moment perfectly.’ 

One wrote on Twitter: ‘That very disrespectful lady should have stayed at home instead of wasting her time waiting for someone she doesn’t like… Catherine handled the moment perfectly though.

The Prince and Princess of Wales paid thanks to Northern Ireland for hosting them following a trip to Belfast today - despite Kate Middleton being challenged by an Irish nationalist during an impromptu walkabout

The Prince and Princess of Wales paid thanks to Northern Ireland for hosting them following a trip to Belfast today – despite Kate Middleton being challenged by an Irish nationalist during an impromptu walkabout

The Prince and Princess of Wales shared the short video and tweet online this evening - choosing to focus on other parts of their visit

The Prince and Princess of Wales shared the short video and tweet online this evening – choosing to focus on other parts of their visit 

The woman who confronted Kate was not included in the video shared by the couple today

The woman who confronted Kate was not included in the video shared by the couple today - instead, clips showed the Prince and Princess of Wales meeting members of the public

The woman who confronted Kate was not included in the video shared by the couple today – instead, clips showed the Prince and Princess of Wales meeting members of the public (right) and making cocktails (left) 

While the short clip shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales' official social media did feature several moments from their walkabout, the moment with the woman in the green jumper wasn't included

While the short clip shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ official social media did feature several moments from their walkabout, the moment with the woman in the green jumper wasn’t included 

Instead, the couple shared clips of the royals meeting schoolchildren (left and right) who held banners welcoming them to the area

Instead, the couple shared clips of the royals meeting schoolchildren (left and right) who held banners welcoming them to the area

Instead, the couple shared clips of the royals meeting schoolchildren (left and right) who held banners welcoming them to the area 

‘She and William were welcomed with open arms by everyone else… there’s lots of love for them!’ 

The incident happened during during Kate and William’s visit to Northern Ireland today. 

Hundreds of people lined the Marine Highway in Carrickfergus, a town to the north of Belfast, as the pair visited the County Antrim town.

They exchanged handshakes and fist-bumps with local schoolchildren who had waited for hours to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.

Earlier they visited a local charity and were then greeted by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Noel Williams.

The late Queen gave William and Kate the titles Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus on the morning of their wedding in 2011.

The Princess of Wales has today been challenged by an Irish nationalist during an impromptu walkabout in Northern Ireland . Pictured: The woman as she speaks to Kate

The Princess of Wales has today been challenged by an Irish nationalist during an impromptu walkabout in Northern Ireland . Pictured: The woman as she speaks to Kate

While shaking hands with the princess, the woman said: ‘Nice to meet you but it would be better if it was when you were in your own country’

Observers took to social media to praise Kate for 'handling the moment perfectly'

Observers took to social media to praise Kate for ‘handling the moment perfectly’

The Princess of Wales (pictured today) has been challenged by an Irish nationalist during an impromptu walkabout in Northern Ireland

The Princess of Wales (pictured today) has been challenged by an Irish nationalist during an impromptu walkabout in Northern Ireland

The Princess of Wales waves to members of the public following a walkabout in Carrickfergus as part of a visit to Northern Ireland

The Princess of Wales waves to members of the public following a walkabout in Carrickfergus as part of a visit to Northern Ireland

Princess Kate brushes back her hair while meeting with royal fans during a visit to Northern Ireland

Princess Kate in Northern Ireland on Thursday

Princess Kate brushes back her hair while meeting with royal fans during a visit to Northern Ireland 

Kate beams as she chats to royal fans alongside Prince William during a visit to Belfast on Thursday

Kate beams as she chats to royal fans alongside Prince William during a visit to Belfast on Thursday 

William and Kate are fulfilling a number of engagements with cross-community organisations that provide support to people from all backgrounds

William and Kate are fulfilling a number of engagements with cross-community organisations that provide support to people from all backgrounds 

Kate chats to a group of schoolchildren holding Union Jack flags during a visit to Northern Ireland on Thursday

Kate chats to a group of schoolchildren holding Union Jack flags during a visit to Northern Ireland on Thursday 

MWilliam and Kate during a walkabout outside Carrickfergus Castle in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland

MWilliam and Kate during a walkabout outside Carrickfergus Castle in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland 

Kate shakes hand with excited young girls during a visit to Northern Ireland on Thursday

Kate shakes hand with excited young girls during a visit to Northern Ireland on Thursday 

Kate cut a chic figure in Belfast on Thursday in a pastel blue blouse and matching pea coat, paired with navy cropped trousers and heels

Kate cut a chic figure in Belfast on Thursday in a pastel blue blouse and matching pea coat, paired with navy cropped trousers and heels 

The couple are fulfilling a number of engagements with cross-community organisations that provide support to people from all backgrounds.

They began with a visit to suicide prevention charity PIPS in north Belfast.

Lord mayor Tina Black and Sinn Fein MP for the constituency John Finucane were among those who welcomed the royal couple on arrival.

Inside, 12-year-old Elyse Quinn, the daughter of the charity’s executive director Renee Quinn, presented the princess with a bouquet of flowers.

PIPS was founded in 2003 following the loss of 14 young people to suicide in Belfast over a short period of time the previous year.

Compelled to act, stakeholders from across the city came together to try to tackle the issue.

During their visit, William and Kate spoke with staff about their work helping people at risk of suicide and self-harm.

The Prince of and Princess of Wales wave to members of the public during a walkabout in Carrickfergus as part of a visit to Northern Ireland

The Prince of and Princess of Wales wave to members of the public during a walkabout in Carrickfergus as part of a visit to Northern Ireland

Hundreds of people lined the Marine Highway in Carrickfergus, a town to the north of Belfast, as the pair visited the County Antrim town.

They exchanged handshakes and fist-bumps with local schoolchildren who had waited for hours to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.

Hundreds of people lined the Marine Highway in Carrickfergus, a town to the north of Belfast, as the pair visited the County Antrim town. They exchanged handshakes and fist-bumps with local schoolchildren who had waited for hours to catch a glimpse of the royal couple

Earlier they visited a local charity and were then greeted by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Noel Williams. The late Queen gave William and Kate the titles Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus on the morning of their wedding in 2011

Earlier they visited a local charity and were then greeted by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Noel Williams. The late Queen gave William and Kate the titles Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus on the morning of their wedding in 2011

The royal couple were greeted by cheering crowds who had lined the streets as they arrived to visit youth charity Carrick Connect which offers support services to local young people experiencing social or emotional difficulties

The royal couple were greeted by cheering crowds who had lined the streets as they arrived to visit youth charity Carrick Connect which offers support services to local young people experiencing social or emotional difficulties

The Prince and Princess of Wales meet members of the public during a walkabout outside Carrickfergus Castle in Carrickfergus

The Prince and Princess of Wales meet members of the public during a walkabout outside Carrickfergus Castle in Carrickfergus

The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived Northern Ireland where they spent the day visiting cross-community organisations which work to provide services and support to people from all backgrounds

The Princess of Wales waves to members of the public following a walkabout in Carrickfergus as part of a visit to Northern Ireland

The Prince and Princess of Wales will arrive in Northern Ireland where they will spend the day visiting cross-community organisations which work to provide services and support to people from all backgrounds

Members of the public came out in their hundreds to meet William and Kate during a walkabout outside Carrickfergus Castle in Carrickfergus

Members of the public came out in their hundreds to meet William and Kate during a walkabout outside Carrickfergus Castle in Carrickfergus

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.

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisation has seen a significant rise in those reaching out for help.

That includes an increase of more than 500% among young people.

At the close of their visit, the prince and princess joined a group of volunteer counsellors in packing up the charity’s Little Boxes of Hope.

The support packages are given to children following their time with PIPS to assist their ongoing recovery and ensure that their parents and guardians feel better equipped to cope.

After the visit to PIPS, the couple travelled into Belfast city centre to view Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market where they took part in a spirited cocktail making race.

After William was declared winner, the couple heard more about the Trademarket enterprise which transformed a previously vacant site, aiming to showcase new businesses while also increasing footfall in a less visited area.

The Princess of Wales speaks to a volunteer during a visit to PIPS (Liam McBurney/PA)

The Princess of Wales speaks to a volunteer during a visit to PIPS (Liam McBurney/PA)

The Prince and Princess of Wales tasting drinks after a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket (Brian Lawless/PA)

The Prince and Princess of Wales tasting drinks after a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket (Brian Lawless/PA)

They also met with representatives from Kainos, a Belfast-based software company provided the site for the market at a peppercorn rent.

The final visit of the day was to the town of Carrickfergus in Co Antrim.

The royal couple were greeted by cheering crowds who had lined the streets as they arrived to visit youth charity Carrick Connect which offers support services to local young people experiencing social or emotional difficulties.

Cocktails with Kate! High-spirited Princess of Wales plays bartender in a £295 silk blouse as she joins Prince William on an action-packed day in Belfast

By Jessica Green for MailOnline 

The Prince and Princess of Wales have taken up position on the other side of the bar for a spirited cocktail-making race at an outdoor market in Belfast city centre during a surprise visit to Northern Ireland.

Prince William and Kate, both 40, laughed during the duel to be the quickest to make the potent drink, before the heir to the throne was declared the winner. The couple were on a visit to Trademarket, the second stop of their one-day trip.

Kate looked perfectly polished in a £295 Winser London silk blouse and matching blue coat, thought to be from Alexander McQueen, teamed with elegant navy trousers, recycled £85 Missoma hoop earrings and a DeMellier London £295 handbag. 

Earlier today, the prince and princess visited PIPS Charity, which provides support to individuals who are considering, or who have at some point considered, ending their own lives.

For their final engagement, the couple visited youth charity Carrick Connect, which offers support services to local young people experiencing social or emotional difficulties, in the town of Carrickfergus in Co Antrim.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were given the titles of Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II upon their marriage in 2011. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales have taken up position on the other side of the bar for a spirited cocktail-making race at an outdoor market in Belfast city centre during a surprise visit to Northern Ireland

The Princess of Wales makes a cocktail as she visits the Trademarket outdoor market in Belfast

The Prince and Princess of Wales have taken up position on the other side of the bar for a spirited cocktail-making race at an outdoor market in Belfast city centre during a surprise visit to Northern Ireland

For their final engagement, the couple visited youth charity Carrick Connect, which offers support services to local young people experiencing social or emotional difficulties, in the town of Carrickfergus in Co Antrim. Pictured, Kate making 'no bake energy bites' at the youth charity

For their final engagement, the couple visited youth charity Carrick Connect, which offers support services to local young people experiencing social or emotional difficulties, in the town of Carrickfergus in Co Antrim. Pictured, Kate making ‘no bake energy bites’ at the youth charity

The Princess of Wales pictured holding a baby when at Carrick Connect, a youth charity based in Carrickfergus which offers support services to local young people experiencing social or emotional difficulties

The Princess of Wales pictured holding a baby during her outing today

The Princess of Wales pictured holding a baby when at Carrick Connect, a youth charity based in Carrickfergus

Giggling: Mother-of-three Kate shares a laugh with a volunteer as she joins Prince William in Belfast, Northern Ireland, today

Giggling: Mother-of-three Kate shares a laugh with a volunteer as she joins Prince William in Belfast, Northern Ireland, today

Colour coordination: The Prince and Princess of Wales opted for matching blue ensembles when arriving in Belfast, Northern Ireland, today for a surprise one-day visit

Colour coordination: The Prince and Princess of Wales opted for matching blue ensembles when arriving in Belfast, Northern Ireland, today for a surprise one-day visit

The prince and princess visited Trademarket on the second stop of their one-day day trip to Northern Ireland, where they met with local entrepreneur, Will Neill, and heard about his aim to showcase new businesses while also increasing footfall in a less visited area of the city centre.

Having opened its doors to the public in July, Trademarket offers a place for different members of the community to come together to enjoy artisan food, drinks and products from local, independent vendors. 

The royal couple also met with representatives from Kainos, a Belfast-based software company who came on board and provided the site for the market at a peppercorn rent.

William and Kate heard about the measures that have been put in place to ensure the site is both ethically and environmentally sustainable, including the removal of single use plastics and a commitment to paying staff a real living wage.

The Princess of Wales looked perfectly polished in a £295 Winser London silk blouse and matching blue coat, thought to be from Alexander McQueen, teamed with elegant navy trousers, recycled £85 Missoma hoop earrings and a DeMellier London £295 handbag (pictured)

The Princess of Wales looked perfectly polished in a £295 Winser London silk blouse and matching blue coat, thought to be from Alexander McQueen, teamed with elegant navy trousers, recycled £85 Missoma hoop earrings and a DeMellier London £295 handbag (pictured) 

Smile Kate! The Princess of Wales leaned into one group of young men as they snapped a selfie with her during the walkabout earlier

Smile Kate! The Princess of Wales leaned into one group of young men as they snapped a selfie with her during the walkabout earlier 

The royal mother-of-three showed off her maternal skills as she chatted with some schoolchildren who were watching the walkabout take place

The royal mother-of-three showed off her maternal skills as she chatted with some schoolchildren who were watching the walkabout take place 

Once outside, Kate was greeted by a crowd of royal fans who beamed at her while snapping pictures of the new Princess of Wales

Once outside, Kate was greeted by a crowd of royal fans who beamed at her while snapping pictures of the new Princess of Wales

Once outside, Kate was greeted by a crowd of royal fans who beamed at her while snapping pictures of the new Princess of Wales (left and right) 

Prince William and Kate leant down as they chatted with crowds of royals, and appeared to be in high spirits as they spoke to attendees at the engagement

Prince William and Kate leant down as they chatted with crowds of royals, and appeared to be in high spirits as they spoke to attendees at the engagement

Making fluffy friends! Prince William, who has one dog himself, bent low to the ground as he greeted a number of dogs during the walkabout

The prince (pictured) and princess met with representatives from Kainos, a Belfast-based software company who came on board and provided the site for the market at a peppercorn rent, and heard about the measures that have been put in place to ensure the site is both ethically and environmentally sustainable, including the removal of single use plastics and a commitment to paying staff a real living wage

Making fluffy friends! Prince William, who has one dog himself, bent low to the ground as he greeted a number of dogs during the walkabout  

The couple were greeted by royal fans waving Union Flags as they did a brief walkabout outside Carrick Connect, a youth charity based in Carrickfergus which offers support services to local young people experiencing social or emotional difficulties

The couple were greeted by royal fans waving Union Flags as they did a brief walkabout outside Carrick Connect, a youth charity based in Carrickfergus which offers support services to local young people experiencing social or emotional difficulties

The Princess of Wales appeared in good spirits during the walkabout today, where she wore a tonal blue outfit for the occasion

The Princess of Wales appeared in good spirits during the walkabout today, where she wore a tonal blue outfit for the occasion

The Princess of Wales appeared in good spirits during the walkabout today, where she wore a tonal blue outfit for the occasion (left and right) 

Selfie time! Prince William held the phone for one man as they posed for a photograph with one another while beaming at the camera

Selfie time! Prince William held the phone for one man as they posed for a photograph with one another while beaming at the camera 

Say cheese! The royal fan appeared to be overwhelmed with excitement as he posed for a selfie with Prince William during the visit this afternoon

Say cheese! The royal fan appeared to be overwhelmed with excitement as he posed for a selfie with Prince William during the visit this afternoon

Say cheese! The royal fan appeared to be overwhelmed with excitement as he posed for a selfie with Prince William during the visit this afternoon (left and right) 

Meanwhile at one stage she showed off her maternal side as she cradled a young baby in her arms as she visited Northern Ireland

Meanwhile at one stage she showed off her maternal side as she cradled a young baby in her arms as she visited Northern Ireland 

Racing: Prince William and Kate, both 40, laughed during the duel to be the quickest to make the potent drink, before the heir to the throne was declared the winner

Racing: Prince William and Kate, both 40, laughed during the duel to be the quickest to make the potent drink, before the heir to the throne was declared the winner

Cheers! The Prince and Princess of Wales pictured following their cocktail-making race at the Trademarket in Belfast

Cheers! The Prince and Princess of Wales pictured following their cocktail-making race at the Trademarket in Belfast

The prince (pictured) and princess visited Trademarket on the second stop of their one-day day trip to Northern Ireland, where they met with local entrepreneur, Will Neill, and heard about his aim to showcase new businesses while also increasing footfall in a less visited area of the city centre

The prince (pictured) and princess visited Trademarket on the second stop of their one-day day trip to Northern Ireland, where they met with local entrepreneur, Will Neill, and heard about his aim to showcase new businesses while also increasing footfall in a less visited area of the city centre

Giving it a try! The Prince and Princess of Wales tasting drinks after a cocktail-making competition

Giving it a try! The Prince and Princess of Wales tasting drinks after a cocktail-making competition

The Princess of Wales (pictured left) makes a cocktail during her second engagement in Northern Ireland today

The Princess of Wales (pictured left) makes a cocktail during her second engagement in Northern Ireland today

The Prince and Princess of Wales were given the titles of Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II upon their marriage in 2011. Pictured, Kate making 'no bake energy bites' at the youth charity

The Prince and Princess of Wales were given the titles of Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II upon their marriage in 2011. Pictured, Kate making ‘no bake energy bites’ at the youth charity

The couple were animated as they visited an outdoor market during their visit to Northern Ireland this afternoon (left and right) 

Meanwhile, when visiting PIPS earlier today, Lord mayor Tina Black and Sinn Fein MP for the constituency John Finucane were among those who welcomed the royal couple on arrival.

PIPS was founded in 2003 following the loss of 14 young people to suicide in Belfast over a short period of time the previous year. Compelled to act, stakeholders from across the city came together to try to tackle the issue. 

Inside, 12-year-old Elyse Quinn, the daughter of the charity’s executive director Renee Quinn, presented the princess with a bouquet of flowers. 

During their visit, William and Kate spoke with staff about their work helping people at risk of suicide and self-harm. 

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. 

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisation has seen a significant rise in those reaching out for help. That includes an increase of more than 500% among young people.