The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, no doubt tired after a late night at the premier of the latest James Bond film, made a surprise visit to Northern Ireland. It’s the latest sign that the royals are finally beginning to adopt a fuller schedule.

Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge, put on an equally stunning and a unique outfit, for her anyways, during the visit. In a purple Emilia Wickstead suit, the former Kate Middleton looked every bit the duchess that she has become. Prince William was equally smart in the suit. 

The couple, who are increasingly taking on a larger role within the royal family, spent time at Ulster University’s Magee Campus. In a moment that showed her fortitude, Catherine handled a tarantula ironically named Charlotte, the same as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s daughter Princess Charlotte.

In an incredibly cute royal video last year, Princess Charlotte shyly told the world that “I love spiders.” The young princess would likely have approved of her mother’s new friend.

Prince William got in on the action as well, holding a snake instead.

“George is going to be so upset,” the future Prince of Wales said, holding the python. “The children are not going to believe I did this.”

Clearly, the Cambridge children have an incredibly fondness for nature and animals, in every shape and form.

The Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus, as the couple are known in Northern Ireland, then went to the City of Derry Rugby Club where they dressed down. The Duchess wore a zip up exercise jacket from the affordable and popular brand, Lululemon. 

It’s another indication that Catherine is likely to become the next patron of the Rugby Association, a role previously held by Prince Harry before Megixt.

No doubt the couple are rather tired after the previous night, so it was a wonderful surprise to see Baron and Baroness visit the territory, which is somewhat rare.

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, which also includes England, Wales and Scotland. Due to security concerns, visits to the region are usually not announced before they occur. In 1979, Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl of Mountbatten of Burma, was assassinated by the Provisional Irish Republican Army. He was beloved by the family, and a second cousin of the Queen.

Even decades later, royal visits are heavily choreographed and done under a veil of secrecy to ensure that everyone is protected.

This maybe is a single day visit, or it could be a two-day trip. Again, due to security concerns, it’s probably only the royal press following the couple who knows for sure. Either way, it’s exciting to see the royals increasingly getting out and about. From a worldwide movie premier to a rugby club, royals are there to dazzle and delight, as wee as engage and have fun.

William and Catherine are doing that in spades.

Picture from Emintera Canada.