The Prince and Princess of Wales began their one-day visit to Northern Ireland with a memorable stop at the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service’s (NIFRS) new £50million Learning and Development College, located near Cookstown in County Tyrone. The visit showcased the state-of-the-art facilities at the college, which opened in May, and was dedicated to training emergency workers in a range of essential skills.
Upon arrival, William and Kate were treated to a firsthand experience of the college’s capabilities. They watched as trainee firefighters participated in simulated rescues, including a dramatic exercise involving a casualty being pulled from a fast-flowing river. The couple toured various sections of the training site, including a floodwater rescue simulator, one of only two in the world at a fire service training facility. They also observed drills involving high-rise rope rescues and the testing of breathing apparatus.
The royal pair was introduced to two recent graduates, firefighters Piarais McCaffery and Caoimhe McNeice, who shared their experiences of the rigorous 18-week training course. The pair was enthusiastic about meeting the royals, noting that William and Kate were genuinely interested in the training and impressed by the college’s innovative facilities. William was particularly curious about the water rescue simulator, while Kate showed her support for the trainees by participating in a drill herself. She attempted to throw a line to rescue a ‘casualty’ played by an instructor, though the current swept the ‘casualty’ beyond her reach.
The Princess of Wales added a bit of humor to the day’s activities, joking that she would love to drive the fire truck at full speed with the sirens blaring as they toured the training grounds. However, her playful request to have the sirens turned on was swiftly denied by the driver, much to her amusement. “She was wanting the prince to drive, but no, the driver got us there safely anyway,” said Caoimhe McNeice, the firefighter who joined the couple for the ride. Despite the banter, the visit was full of admiration for the training staff and the critical work they do.
Following their time at the training college, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Mallon Farm, a family-owned business that is pioneering sustainable flax farming for linen production. This farm, which had previously been a dairy farm, has transitioned to growing flax using traditional methods, which are both eco-friendly and sustainable. The couple donned outdoor boots to explore the muddy fields where the flax is grown and processed. They were shown how the crops are washed and softened before being processed through a restored 1940s machine, which was a fascinating piece of heritage machinery.
Kate, ever the enthusiast for hands-on learning, eagerly took part in the traditional process of “breaking” the flax by hand. After trying her hand at using a tool to break the flax, she jokingly asked, “How long would you do this for?” Despite the physical effort required, the couple’s engagement with the process was evident. Sophie Mallon, the owner of the farm, commented that Kate did well, although it was clear that the work was not easy. Prince William, impressed by the restored machinery, remarked, “Did you build this? Wow! It’s amazing.” He was also amused by another piece of equipment used to strip the fibre, comparing it to a “torture trap” in a light-hearted comment.
The visit to Mallon Farm underscored the couple’s support for sustainable farming practices and their efforts to preserve traditional industries. The Mallon family is trying to revive the linen industry in Northern Ireland, which once flourished in Belfast, often referred to as “Linenapolis” in the 18th century. With a focus on sustainability, the farm is hoping to inspire other small farms to adopt similar practices.
Before concluding their Northern Ireland visit, William and Kate met with Amy and Joel Anderson, founders of Kindred of Ireland, a fashion company that uses locally grown materials for its products. The Princess of Wales was keen to learn about the importance of understanding the full story behind the materials used in fashion. The final stop of the day was at Long Meadow Cider, an award-winning cider farm in County Armagh. The royal couple joined the McKeever family in picking apples, making potato and apple bread, and sampling some of the farm’s fresh juice and craft ciders.
Throughout their visit, William and Kate demonstrated their deep interest in supporting local industries, sustainable practices, and the people behind them. Their engagement with Northern Ireland’s innovative and community-driven enterprises showcased their commitment to fostering growth and sustainability across the UK.
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