It's Tarantulas, Guinness & Rugby During Derry 'Away Day'

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are visiting Derry-Londonderry in Northern Ireland today to meet young people and hear how organisations in the area promote positive relations in local communities.

The couple's away day follows a late night at the Royal Albert Hall for the premiere of No Time to Die. As you've no doubt already seen (if you haven't click this way), the Duchess looked spectacular in a gold caped Jenny Packham gown. Even 007 took notice of the look, telling the Duchess "you look jolly lovely".

Today's engagements began with a visit to Ulster University's Magee Campus.

They were warmly welcomed by students upon arrival.

During a Zoom call from Norfolk in February, the Duke and Duchess spoke with students from the university as they participated in practical clinical sessions with their lecturers. Kate praised the role of nurses in all stages of the profession during the conversation, including students who were entering the coalface: "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. You've got almost three generations now. Those coming back from retirement, but also you guys doing your training who are stepping up. It shows real commitment and real teamwork, and it should really be celebrated."

Today they met some of those students in person.

Kensington Palace added: "The Duke and Duchess saw 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."

The Duke and Duchess then held a meeting with the first cohort of medical students accepted into the university’s new School of Medicine.

The school was established in response to a nationwide shortage of medical professionals. A £1 million investment will train doctors -- many of whom will go on to make a difference in Northern Ireland.

More from the Telegraph:

'After watching a pair of students practice the procedure of taking blood, they were shown a lifelike model arm which the Duke picked up, pointed at his wife and joked: "There's lots of games you could have with that."

The Duchess asked about extracurricular care, saying: "Your well-being, and how you are, is that being introduced now?  There must be a lot of stress to cope with."'

From there, William and Kate dropped into the Student Union to learn more about their 'Culture Sock' events.

Learning more about student life outside of lecture halls, the couple had the opportunity to sample local whiskey, Tayto crisps and wheaten bread. They also had the opportunity to meet talented musicians performing at the university.

Well, it would be rude not to try some whiskey. pic.twitter.com/Tn9wShTbUb

— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) September 29, 2021

More from Hello!.

'William and Kate also spoke to the University's talented musicians playing traditional instruments.

As they listened to the music, one student shouted out "Dance," with William gesturing to Kate: "You should! She loves dancing," but Kate laughed: "No, no, no!"'

They sat down to play a game where Irish names were shown on the screen and they had to pronounce them. "I'm going to have another drink -- I'm not doing very well at this," William joked. They learned local phrases including "let's head out for a wee dander" and "this is pure wick, so it is". The couple enjoyed half pints of Guinness.

The Duchess laughed as she held a tarantula called Charlotte during a visit to the campus's petting zoo -- quite a story to tell the children later.

Roya Nikkhah reports Kate said, "We've had lots of animals during lockdown. During lockdown, animals are often like therapy."

Visiting the campus’ @KidzFarm petting zoo, helping students with mental health and anxiety issues, Kate held a tarantula called Charlotte, revealing they’ve acquired “lots of animals”during lockdown, which are “often like therapy”. William said George is “obsessed”with snakes pic.twitter.com/oNmC9ywibP

— Roya Nikkhah (@RoyaNikkhah) September 29, 2021

Hello! writes:

'As Charlotte started moving up his wife's hand, William joked that the spider was animated by Kate's outfit: "Maybe she's not so keen on purple, or she maybe thinks you're a flower." 

The Cambridges' daughter, Princess Charlotte, has previously revealed her love of spiders as she and her brothers posed questions to Sir David Attenborough in October 2020.'

William revealed George is "obsessed with snakes".

A video from the visit with plenty of fun footage.

From there, it was a quick change before dropping in at the City of Derry Rugby Football Club.

They met coaches and volunteers involved in the ‘Sport Uniting Communities’ initiative.

The project is a collaboration between the Irish Football Association, the Ulster Gaelic Athletic Association, and Ulster Rugby. It aims to promote peace and reconciliation.

The Palace noted, "Sport Uniting Communities uses the reach of each sport to promote meaningful, purposeful and sustained contact between individuals from different backgrounds – particularly across the religious divide – resulting in a change in perception and relationships."

Meeting a young player and her coach.

The Duchess didn't miss a chance to get straight into the sporting action, kicking off with rugby...

...and taking her best shot in football.

The Duchess was chic in a fuchsia Emilia Wickstead suit from the Autumn/Winter 2021 collection for the day (with thanks to Lady Parky & Kate's Closet).

The Dida peak lapel wool flannel jacket is described as "shaped in the UK with defined shoulders and peak lapels for a confident take on classic tailoring". It's available in grey at Matches Fashion, retailing for £1,200.

Kate accessorised with her Liv Thurwell bobble hoop earrings.

The Duchess sported her Emmy London Jose block-heel pumps in navy suede.

And carried her quilted Jaeger bag.

For the rugby engagement, Kate changed into the Define Jacket Luon by Lululemon (with thanks to Emily). The £98 piece is described as "body skimming", with thumbhole cuffs and secure front pockets. The Luon fabric is cottony soft, breathable and supportive. It's available in a variety of colours on Lululemon's website and Matches Fashion.

It looks like Kate wore her New Balance x Sweaty Betty trainers.

A splendid day of engagements and wonderful to see an away day.