Duchess Kate & William make a surprise visit to Derry in Northern Ireland

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It’s true that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge love “surprise” visits and events. Most of the time, those surprise events are simply announced to the Royal Rota and the information is embargoed. Sometimes it’s a genuine surprise, which always amuses me – out of nowhere, a Keen event, usually timed to “one up” a certain couple. Today, William and Kate are in Northern Ireland. This was known to the Rota, but the news was embargoed until the Keens arrived. This is actually normal operating procedure for royals visiting Northern Ireland specifically. While relations are nominally better, the fact is that no royal wants to give anyone in Northern Ireland any notice of their movements.

These are photos of William and Kate arriving in Derry/Londonderry (the name is disputed) for a day of activities. They’re visiting Ulster University’s Magee Campus, they’re taking part in a “Culture Shock” event, they’re tasting local whiskey, and they’re “spending the day meeting young people and hearing how organisations are engaging across communities to promote positive relations.” Basically, a day of Being Keen. I do wonder when this trip was organized? It feels thrown together, like Kensington Palace staff put it together late last week. Gee I wonder why. Desperados, I’m telling you.

As for Kate’s ensemble… um, a heavy turtleneck and a pantsuit? I wonder if there will be concern-trolling about how warm she must be on what looks like a perfectly pleasant day in Derry. And yes, the jacket has buttons! But it’s surprisingly “sleek” for Kate.

True story: while in Northern Ireland, William is the Baron of Carrickfergus. Kate is Lady Carrickfergus. They visit Northern Ireland so infrequently that they barely get to use those titles.

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) September 29, 2021

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Photos courtesy of Getty.

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