The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived in Derry-Londonderry where they will spend the day meeting young people and hearing how organisations are engaging across communities to promote positive relations.
It is Their Royal Highnesses’ first time in this area of Northern Ireland.
Kicking off the day, William & Kate are visiting Ulster University’s Magee Campus. Earlier this year, Their Royal Highnesses spoke to nursing students from the University via video call and 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 meet some of those nursing students in person and hear how their studies are progressing since they spoke in February.
The Duke and Duchess will 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.
Their Royal Highnesses 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 well as observing some of the practical tools and lessons the students have access to, The Duke and Duchess are also dropping into the Student Union as it hosts a ‘Culture Shock’ event.
Here, they will join students to understand their university experience outside of their studies and hear how such events are promoting an inclusive student body. As part of the event The Duke and Duchess will have 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.
