Prince William says his children are ‘not going to believe this’ as he holds a python
‘George is going to be so upset’: Prince William tells Kate Middleton ‘the children are not going to believe this’ as he holds a snake during a visit to a petting zoo at Ulster University
Prince William and Kate Middleton are enjoying a mini-tour of Northern Ireland William, 39, held snake at Kidz Farm during a tour of Ulster University campusMeanwhile Kate, 39, bravely held a tarantula named Charlotte in her hand
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Prince William got to grips with a slippery customer while visiting a petting zoo in Northern Ireland this afternoon, and admitted his children ‘won’t believe’ he got to hold a python.
The Duke of Cambridge, 39, held the snake during a visit to Kidz Farm while touring the Ulster University Magee Campus, as the royal couple continue their mini-tour of Northern Ireland.
The father-of-three quipped that his eldest son, Prince George, eight, was going to be particularly upset at the news that his dad had held the reptile.
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Prince William, 39, joked his oldest son Prince George, eight, would be jealous as he was handed a snake during a tour of Ulster University’s Magee Campus today
The Duke of Cambridge’s son, Prince George, reportedly likes snakes, while his daughter Princess Charlotte, six, told Sir David Attenborough in a video last year that she liked spiders (pictured at the start of a half marathon race held on the Sandringham Estate on Father’s Day)
William was heard saying to Kate Middleton that the couple’s children – including Princess Charlotte, six, and Prince Louis, three, would not believe he held the reptile.
Last year, during a video link call with a charity, Kate hinted that the couple’s first-born was a fan of snakes.
William himself looked animated to be handed the exotic pet during the university campus tour this morning.
‘George is going to be so upset,’ he quipped, as he held the reptile.
‘The children are not going to believe I did this,’ he added.
Gently does it! The Duchess of Cambridge looks on as her husband carefully holds the reptile
Kate, dressed in a magenta trouser suit, showed no fear as she handled a tarantula called Charlotte from Kidz Farm during a tour of the Ulster University Magee Campus in Northern Ireland (pictured left). The royal then made a quick change into a sleek black exercise jacket and matching trousers when visiting City of Derry Rugby club (pictured right)
The royal admired the python as it slowly curled around his fingers, while chatting with the handler, who told him the snake was female.
‘I won’t ask you how you know it’s a she, we’ll talk about that later,’ William joked, handing back the snake and remarking she was ‘very soft’ to the touch.
It was clear from their parents’ reaction that the experience would have been thrilling for William and Kate’s oldest children, who have admitted to liking spiders and snakes.
Princess Charlotte, six, made the revelation when the royal family teamed up with Sir David Attenborough last year to promote the Duke of Cambridge’s Earthshot Prize.
In a video chat with the legendary animal documentary filmmaker, she asked: ‘Hello David Attenborough. I like spiders, do you like spiders too?’
The Duchess of Cambridge cut an elegant figure as she stepped out in a magenta trouser suit while visiting Northern Ireland with Prince William today
Meanwhile, during a charity bingo night she hosted via a video link at the height of the pandemic last year, Kate Middleton hinted her oldest son loved snakes.
Holding out the number 55, she said: ‘George would like this one — five and five, snake’s alive.’
The couple arrived in Londonderry this afternoon to meet young people and hear how organisations are engaging across communities to promote positive relations. It is their first time on an official duty together in this area of Northern Ireland.
Getting into the spirit! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sample some alcoholic beverages while touring the university this afternoon
Cheers! The Duke of Cambridge enjoys a a drink during a tour of the University’s Student Union as it hosts a ‘Culture Shock’ event
While Kate and William last visited Northern Ireland in March 2019, the Duchess also visited the country in February 2020, weeks before the Covid-19 lockdown, to promote her Early Years survey.
During their visit to the rugby club, William and Kate are meeting young players taking part in activities, and hearing from local clubs about how the Sport Uniting Communities initiative has brought communities from different backgrounds together.
Sport Uniting Communities is a collaboration between the Irish Football Association, the Ulster Gaelic Athletic Association and Ulster Rugby aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation.
At the day’s beginning, the Duke and Duchess visited Ulster University’s Magee Campus to meet with student nurses whom they’d previously spoken to via video call.
The Duchess swept her brunette locks into a high ponytail and opted for neutral makeup for the occasion. The mother-of-three could be seen carrying a small navy bag, but kept her accessories to a minimum, allowing her bold and colourful magenta outfit to do all the talking.
What an entrance! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (pictured together) and the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall attended the glittering world premiere of the new James Bond film No Time To Die last night
When speaking to the student nurses earlier this year, the Duke and Duchess heard more about their experiences of studying during the pandemic, and of undertaking placements on the frontline of the COVID-19 response in Northern Ireland.
Today, they will hear how their studies are progressing since they spoke in February.
Prince William and Kate are also set to see a specially designed simulated ambulance – the only one of its kind in the region – built on 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.
The Duke and Duchess are then meeting 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.
The new School will develop a new generation of doctors who will work in Northern Ireland and beyond, once their studies are compete. It has received a £1m investment and now boasts high-tech, high-spec facilities.
As part of the event The Duke and Duchess had the opportunity to sample some Northern Irish food and drinks: from whiskey to wheaten bread and Tayto crisps.
Students will teach them some local expressions and to finish they will hear some of the University’s talented music students playing traditional instruments.
