Princess Catherine was quick to offer out her umbrella during a rainy arrival in Northern Ireland last week – leading her husband to quickly step in.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were greeted by Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Belfast mayor Róis-Máire Donnelly and South Belfast MP Claire Hanna, in Belfast last Friday, amid a strict security blackout.
Shaking hands in the rain, Emma joked to Prince William that the weather "wasn’t playing ball".
Princess Catherine, who was sheltering under a black umbrella, immediately reached out to cover her, saying: "I'll share my umbrella with you."
© POOL/AFP via Getty Images
However, seeing that the rain wasn't about to let up, the Prince decided it was easier to usher everyone inside, affectionately tapping his wife on her arm and guiding her towards the door.
"We'll go in, " said William, clearly concerned that Catherine would be rained on, adding: "Or we'll get you soaking wet."
You may also like
Royal fans were left delighted, with one person commenting on HELLO!'s Instagram video: "Pure class".
"The future of the monarchy is in good hands," wrote a second.
Why was William and Kate's Ireland visit kept secret?
The visit, like King Charles and Queen Camilla's in May, was unannounced, with details kept tightly under wraps amid a strict security blackout, as is the case for all engagements in the area.
Royal visits to Northern Ireland are usually not announced in advance because of sensitivity and security concerns relating to the background of The Troubles, HELLO! reported during the couple's previous visit in 2019.
© Getty
Their Royal Highnesses' visit was focused on Prince’s Homewards initiative, marking the first time Princess Catherine had joined her husband for one of his outings aimed at ending homelessness.
The Princess, 44, looked glamorous in a tartan Emilia Wickstead skirt, completed with a white silk satin blouse by Knatchbull.
The couple last visited Northern Ireland in October last year.
A royal visit to Ikea!
William and Kate visited The Commons, a project to transform a church on the Ormeau Road into a community centre.
They spoke with David and Jill Hines, who are directors of The Commons, before being taken on a tour of the regenerated church building.
William and Kate shook hands and took selfies with the crowd, with William making a FaceTime call to the mother of one of those waiting.
© PA Images via Getty Images
Later, customers enjoying an afternoon browse at Ikea on the outskirts of Belfast were delighted with a big surprise on the tills at the cafe.
William and Kate, under the supervision of Ikea workers Séamus McBrearty and Sophie Russell, seemed to take to their new duties with ease.
One little boy gazed up wide-eyed at the Princess from behind the tray trolley, as it was explained who they were, smiling shyly as Kate leaned over, beaming at him, asking whether he was looking forward to his yummy food.
Meanwhile, two local schoolgirls seemed starstruck by William as they approached to pay for their meal, while onlookers from around the store gathered for a look.