William and Kate travelled to County Tyrone were they were treated to a ride in a fire truck and watched trainee firefighters take part in drills at the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Learning and Development College. The royal couple were filled with enthusiasm as they climbed into the fire truck, with Kate even joking that she wanted to drive at full speed with the sirens on. As William and Kate exited the impressive emergency vehicle, they exchanged a brief tender moment, showing off their affection for each other.

 

William and Kate

William and Kate shared a sweet moment in Northern Ireland today(Image: PA)

William and Kate

Kate lovingly touched William’s back as they walked(Image: Getty Images)

William and Kate climbed out of the fire truck to continue their tour of the new facility, but not before Kate lovingly placed a hand on her husband’s back as they walked away from the truck.

William also watched with a careful eye as his wife navigated walking down the fire truck’s stairs backwards and in high-heeled shoes, with one royal fan writing on X: “It’s the little things. What a gentleman.”

Another fan commented on their sweet relationship, writing: “That’s his beloved, his strength and stay, his rock, his best friend, and the one woman who has always had his back and protected him. It’s a soulmate thing!”

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The Prince and Princess of Wales

The Prince and Princess of Wales underwent a day of royal engagements in Northern Ireland(Image: Getty Images)

The Prince and Princess of Wales’ Northern Ireland engagement began as they watched as emergency workers simulated rescuing a casualty from a fast-flowing torrent and toured a warehouse space where others practised high-rise rope and ladder rescues and tested breathing apparatus.

Their trip came as the royals visited Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service’s (NIFRS) new £50million Learning and Development College, near Cookstown in County Tyrone, which opened in May. The pair were shown around by Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings, walking past a replica village into a training warehouse where the drills took place.

The couple met two recent graduates of the 18-week training course, firefighters Piarais McCaffery and Caoimhe McNeice, to hear about their experience of training at the 50-acre site, which is set in the countryside.

Newly qualified firefighter McCaffery said of the royal visit: “They were both lovely, great, down to earth people. It was great to showcase our Learning and Development College to them, and they were blown away by it.”