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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
William Mata

‘Ireland belongs to the Irish’: Princess of Wales heckled by Irish nationalist during Belfast tour

Kate Middleton was confronted by a woman saying the Princess of Wales is not in her country on a Royal visit to Northern Ireland.

On a walkabout in north Belfast on Thursday, the princess and her husband Prince William shook hands with locals on their first trip since taking their new titles.

But the Princess of Wales was not entirely welcomed. One woman told her: “Nice to meet you but it would be better if it was when you were in your own country.

“Ireland belongs to the Irish.”

The Princess of Wales mixes a cocktail on another outing in Belfast (PA Wire)

The princess laughed at the comment but withdrew her hand and moved away.

Another is overheard adding: “There is nothing to stop us....”

On Thursday, hundreds had lined the Marine Highway in the Carrickfergus district ahead of the Royal arrival and had the chance to shake hands or fist bump with the King’s son and daughter-in-law.

The couple visited charity Carrick Connect and were greeted by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Noel Williams.

The visit was something of a homecoming as on the day of their wedding, the late Queen gave the pair the titles Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus.

They also got the chance to make cocktails at an outdoor market in Belfast city centre, the pair dualling it out to make the fastest drink.

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