Kate Middleton, Prince William’s eye-popping tarantula and snake encounter

The Cambridges have paid an unexpected visit to Northern Ireland, where they got up close and personal with creepy crawlies.

A day after she stunned on the red carpet at the James Bond movie No Time to Die premiere in London, Kate Middleton has joined Prince William for a surprise day trip to Northern Ireland.

The couple arrived in Northern Ireland on Wednesday morning local time for their first joint post-pandemic trip, visiting Derry-Londonderry in a previously unannounced visit.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met with young people and local groups making positive change in the community.

The royal couple meet a friend in Northern Ireland. Picture: Getty Images

The couple were in fine form during a visit to Ireland. Picture: Getty Images

The royal couple began the day by touring Ulster University’s Magee Campus, according to a report in The Sun.

Kate was all smiles as she held a tarantula named Charlotte during a trip to Ulster University’s Magee Campus’ petting zoo – after stunning at the No Time To Die London premiere on Tuesday night in a custom Jenny Packham golden gown.

Kate, who also admired a snake held by her husband and enjoyed a pint of Guinness at the students’ union, started her day in a purple blazer and matching trousers, which she paired with a navy turtleneck and matching heels. Meanwhile Prince William opted for a navy suit for the occasion.

Kate Middleton got up close and personal with a tarantula in Northern Ireland. Picture: Getty Images

Later, the Duchess of Cambridge once again proved she was Queen of the quick change after she swapped her magenta trouser suit for a sleek black exercise jacket and matching trousers as she joined her husband at City of Derry Rugby club during their whirlwind Northern Ireland visit.

The mother-of-three swapped into a more casual ensemble when arriving at City of Derry Rugby club to meet players, coaches and volunteers involved in the Sport Uniting Communities initiative; she donned a $A180 jacket from Canadian activewear brand Lululemon, teamed with similar pants.

While Kate and Prince William last visited Northern Ireland in March 2019, the Duchess also visited the country in February 2020, weeks before the Covid-19 lockdown.

The popular Kate Middleton is one of the royal family’s biggest drawcards. Picture: Getty Images

FIRST VISIT TO DERRY

The Cambridges, who were making their first visit to Derry, were shown a specially designed simulated ambulance, the only one of its kind in the region, built on campus to train the very first-year group studying the new paramedic science program in Northern Ireland.

The course, which started last week, is offered by the University to support the development of the paramedic profession in Northern Ireland and further afield.

Prince William and Kate also met in person a group of student nurses from the university they spoke to, via a video call, in February, when they heard about their experiences taking part in hospital placements during the pandemic.

The royal couple during a surprise appearance in Northern Ireland. Picture: Getty Images

At the start of the first lockdown the students from Ulster University’s School of Nursing joined the frontline fight against Covid-19 working on wards or in the community.

During the call the duchess told the trainees: “Nursing is one of the most trusted professions in the country, so you couldn’t have chosen a better career choice and it’s needed now more than ever.”

Kate Middleton later embraced her sporty side during a visit to a local rugby club. Picture: Getty Images

The couple were all smiles. Picture: Getty Images

During their tour the Cambridges met the first cohort of medical students studying at the University’s new School of Medicine, established this year in response to the nationwide shortage in the medical workforce, with the aim of training the next generation of doctors.

Away from the text books and practical lessons, Prince William and Kate learned how the undergraduates relax and spend their free time when they visit the Student Union as it hosts a “Culture Shock” event.

The Duke and Duchess had the opportunity to sample some Northern Irish food and drink from whiskey and soda bread to Ireland’s famous Tayto chips.

Students taught them some local expressions and to finish they will hear some of the University’s talented musicians playing traditional instruments.

– with The Sun

Originally published as Kate Middleton, Prince William’s eye-popping tarantula and snake encounter