Prince William, Kate Middleton make first statement after Meghan's announcement

Future king William and Princess Kate's office released a delightful update on the couple's surprise visit to Northern Ireland amid Meghan Markle's appearance on Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were all smiles and in good spirits as they undertook a royal engagement, shining spotlight on "Innovation and Youth Empowerment".

On Tuesday, October 14, Kensington Palace issued stunning photos of William and Kate's trip to their official Instagram accounts with the latest update on the Waleses' trip.

Alongside the photographs, the Palace shared a statement: "Great to be back in Northern Ireland today! Starting with a brilliant visit to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service’s new Learning and Development College in Cookstown. A world-class facility helping to train the next generation of firefighters."

The statement continued: "The incredible site includes a flood water rescue simulator, one of only two in the world, plus a mock motorway, model village high street and even a slurry pit – all designed to create realistic, hands-on training experiences.

"It was inspiring to see trainee and newly qualified firefighters in action during a range of simulations, and to hear how this investment is creating opportunities for young people, and strengthening collaboration across emergency services in Northern Ireland."

William and Kate's statement comes after Meghan's important announcement about her holiday special.

When asked about a potential third season of With Love, the Duchess revealed: “Well, the holiday special is coming out in November. It’s a really good one.” is coming out in November. It’s a really good one.” 

The couple's first visit of the day was to the Fire & Rescue Service’s (NIFRS) new Learning and Development College in Cookstown, County Tyrone. Opened in May 2025, the college is the largest investment ever undertaken by the NIFRS and is a training centre for all NIFRS employees.

The world class facilities include a flood water rescue simulator (one of only two in the world at a Fire Service training facility), a replicated village, a training warehouse, a tactical firefighting facility and a barn and slurry pit.

The hier to the British thron and his beautiful wife Princess Catherine met with Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Aidan Jennings and learned how the college equips trainees with the skills, resilience and expertise needed to help keep everyone in the town safe.

The royal couple also engaged with two training scenarios: a warehouse space where there will be a variety of simulated incidents and drills ongoing, and the flood-water rescue training space to see a simulation of a casualty being rescued from a fast-flowing river.