William and Kate were touring the NI Fire & Rescue Service’s new Learning and Development College near Cookstown today.
It is their first joint visit to the region since October 2022.
At the college, William and Kate saw some of the training given to the next generation.
William and Kate board a fire engine at the centre near Cookstown. Chris Jackson/PA Wire
The couple were taken a short distance across the 50-acre site in the red engine, but travelled at a sedate pace.
Newly qualified firefighters Caoimhe McNeice, 25, and Piarais McCaffery, 32, joined the royal guests for part of the visit, and described their experiences at the centre of excellence.
Ms McNeice said about the driver: “He got us there safely, I think he was on a limit for his speed.
“The princess was wanting the sirens on, but he was strictly told no.
“It was just a bit of banter, she said ‘I’d love to drive at the real speed and have the sirens on’.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales during a visit to Mallon Linen near Cookstown in Co Tyrone, a working family farm that is re-establishing a transparent flax-to-linen supply chain in Northern Ireland. Photo: Samir Hussein/PA Wire
News Catch Up – Monday 13th October
Kate also wanted her husband to take the wheel, Ms McNeice said. “She was wanting the prince to drive, but the driver got us there anyway.”
William and Kate appeared impressed by the facilities at the college, officially opened in May, which can replicate a range of dangerous scenarios in the safety of a learning environment with instructors at hand.
With chief fire and rescue officer Aidan Jennings they watched a team manoeuvring a huge ladder, another carrying dummies from a burning shop, and an outdoor display of trainees leaning to use powerful hoses.
The royal couple speak with firefighters near Cookstown, Co Tyrone. Chris Jackson/PA Wire
Mr McCaffery said the princess had told him the college meant “we’re ahead of the game” and that whenever they were called out to an incident, they would know what to do.
At the huge water facility that created rapids around the shell of a building, the couple watched staff patiently recover a mock casualty, then tried throwing lines to volunteers who jumped in the fast-moving water to re-create someone being swept away.
William went first but his line just missed, as did one thrown by his wife a few minutes later, but instructor Pete Sloane said: “The water was moving at 24 knots, very fast, and they were both very close.
“It’s difficult to hit a moving target but another go and they would have had it.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales observe a training scenario at the training college near Cookstown. Chris Jackson/PA Wire
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said the royal visitors observed live demonstrations that reflect real-life emergency scenarios, including flood water rescues and rope rescues, showcasing how the college is equipping personnel with the skills, resilience and expertise to respond to emergencies.
NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings said: “Welcoming the Prince and Princess of Wales to our Learning & Development College truly was a proud and unforgettable day for our Service and fitting that it occurred during Fire Safety Week.
“With a one team ethos in NIFRS, our personnel work together to help make Northern Ireland a safer place. It was a privilege to have our royal visitors meet many people across our Service and recognise their commitment, dedication and enthusiasm in doing so.
William speaks to fire service staff during the visit. Chris Jackson/PA Wire
“I’m honoured that the Prince and Princess witnessed first-hand how the real-life scenario-based training facilities are revolutionising how we train and develop our people enabling us to meet the evolving needs of a modern-day Fire & Rescue Service. Our next generation of Firefighters currently undergoing their training at the college clearly demonstrated that today in their display of operational skills and capabilities.
“I would like to sincerely thank the Prince and Princess for their visit, their kind words, support and recognition of the work of all our people in NIFRS dedicated to serving our community and keeping people safe.
“I would also like to thank the Northern Ireland Office, the Executive Office and the Department of Health for their efforts and support in making this memorable visit possible.”
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt added: “I was honoured to greet Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales, today.
“Their visit was a significant recognition of the courage and commitment of our Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service firefighters and dedicated staff, and of the vital role this world-class facility plays in equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to serve and protect our community. Fire Safety Week is a timely reminder that safety is a shared responsibility, and simple steps can help protect our homes and our loved ones.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales during a visit to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Learning and Development College near Cookstown. Chris Jackson/PA Wire
William and Kate are now on a visit to Co Armagh.
Kensington Palace said the couple would “spend the day visiting innovative organisations that showcase growth and investment in rural areas and demonstrate entrepreneurial and creative opportunities for young people”.
Their last major joint public event was a visit to Southport to show their ongoing support for the community following the fatal knife attack in July 2024.
On their last visit here, William and Kate stopped off in Belfast three years ago and took part in a cocktail making race at a market and travelled to Carrickfergus.