The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Derry/Londonderry

Straight from the red carpet to the walled city!

Published 29th Sep 2021
Last updated 29th Sep 2021

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were on a whistle-stop one day tour of the north west of Northern Ireland today.

Just hours after the couple attended the world premiere of the new James Bond movie No Time To Die, the Royal couple travelled to Ulster University’s Magee Campus.

Earlier this year their Royal Highnesses spoke to nursing students from the University via video call.

They discussed their experiences of studying during the pandemic, and of undertaking placements on the frontline of the COVID-19 response in Northern Ireland. Today, they met some of those nursing students in person.

The Duke and Duchess visited a specially designed simulated ambulance – the only one of its kind in the region – built on the campus to train the very first year group on the brand new BSc Hons Paramedic Science programme in Northern Ireland. This course, which started just last week, is offered by the University to support the development of the paramedic profession in Northern Ireland and further afield.

Their Royal Highnesses then met with the first cohort of medical students accepted into the University’s new School of Medicine, established this year in response to the nationwide shortage in the medical workforce. It has received a £1m investment and now boasts high-tech, high-spec facilities.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were plunged into a "culture shock'' in Londonderry as they sampled an initiative to welcome international students.

William and Kate were quizzed on how to pronounce Irish names and learned some of the city's colloquial phrases which have become world famous thanks to the hit TV show Derry Girls.

The couple were shown names such as Aoife, Aine, Cathal and Daithi on a laptop screen at a students' union, before the phonetic pronunciation was revealed, listening carefully and repeating.

"I'm going to have another drink, I'm not doing very well at this,'' joked William.

Next was a lesson on the local expressions, including, "Give us a juke at that'', "Let's head out for a wee dander'', and "This is pure wick, so it is'' and "alright mucker''.

Kate look completely calm when passed a tarantula spider, called Charlotte. She smiled as the furry creature crawled across her hands, meanwhile Prince William nervously looked on.

As part of the event The Duke and Duchess sampled some Northern Irish food and drinks: from whiskey to wheaten bread and Tayto crisps.

Following their visit to Ulster University, The Duke and Duchess travelled to nearby City of Derry Rugby Club to meet with players, coaches and volunteers involved in the ‘Sport Uniting Communities’ initiative. The project uses the reach of each sport to promote meaningful, purposeful and sustained contact between individuals from different backgrounds – particularly across the religious divide – resulting in a change in perception and relationships.

While at the City of Derry Rugby Club, The Duke and Duchess watched some of the local young people taking part in some of the activities on offer. They spent time speaking with volunteers, staff and local clubs about how the initiative has brought communities and people from different backgrounds together.

We'll keep you up-to-date with the Royal visit throughout the day on air, online on social.

Their Royal Highnesses spent the day meeting young people and hearing how organisations are engaging across communities to promote positive relations.


Their first engagement was at Ulster University's Magee Campus, meeting with student nurses and the first cohort of medical students accepted into the University's new School of Medicine.





The Duke and Duchess also joined young people at a 'Culture Shock' event in the Students Union.







The Royal couple's second engagement was at the City of Derry Rugby Club meeting with players, coaches and volunteers involved in the Sport Uniting Communities initiative.









Read more:

Opening hours for pubs and hotels to be extended under new liquor licensing laws

One puppy from abandoned trio rescued from roadside has died

Meet the NI brand supporting mental health in agriculture

How to listen to Downtown Country:

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for Country music, Downtown Country on online, on the Rayo app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Downtown Country’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the best Irish and American country music, from Victoria Quinn in the morning, to Big T’s legendary evening Country show.