Kate Middleton had an exchange with a “heckler” during her and Prince William’s surprise visit to Northern Ireland. It came after an Irish nationalist confronted her while meeting and greeting a crowd.
People said the incident occurred during a walkabout outside Carrickfergus Castle on Thursday. Although, some reports specified that the walkabout was on Antrim Road, taking place after the pair visited PIPS Charity in Belfast.
The magazine included a clip of the exchange, showing that while engaging with well-wishers, the Princess of Wales reached out to shake the hand of a woman, who appeared to be recording the encounter on her phone.
The said woman, however, seemingly took her hand and confronted the Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. She reportedly told the royal, “Nice to meet you, but it would be better if it was when you were in your own country.”
The same clip later showed that the future Queen Consort smiled and let go of the woman’s hand. But, while she continued to greet other crowd members, the woman reportedly added, “Ireland belongs to the Irish.”
People noted that controversy and conflict have become apparent since England first occupied Ireland in the 17th century. In 1920, however, an act was passed, splitting the country into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is now one of the countries that make up the United Kingdom.
Page Six, in its report covering the same incident, stated that this is not the first time Prince William and Kate Middleton faced an uncomfortable situation during an official trip.
It recalled that there were protests during the royal couple’s tour of the Caribbean earlier this year.
The publication said an indigenous group in Belize protested the Prince and Princess of Wales’ arrival, forcing them to cancel the first stop of the tour.
Buckingham Palace, as a result, canceled the visit to the sustainable cacao plantation in Indian Creek called Akte’il Ha.
Meanwhile, Tuesday’s trip to Northern Ireland marked the first for Prince William and Kate Middleton since receiving their new titles. It is also their first visit to the country since Queen Elizabeth II passed away earlier this month.
Reports noted that the visit was a surprise, adding that it is a one-day trip.
Throughout the day, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited charities and community organizations across the country, according to BBC.
The first stop is said to have taken place in Belfast, where Kate Middleton and Prince William visited PIPS Charity. Aside from engaging with staff and clients, they also reportedly took part in an art therapy session.
The publication continued that the royal couple consequently met the crowd during a walkabout on Antrim Road.
They are then said to have traveled to Trademarket on Dublin Road, where they participated in a cocktail-making race, before heading to Carrickfergus.