Prince and Princess of Wales arrive in Belfast for a surprise visit

The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived in Belfast for a surprise one-day trip – and have started their visit at a suicide prevention charity.

Prince William and Kate, both 40, are visiting cross-community organisations supporting people from all backgrounds, with the first stop being at PIPS Charity, which provides support to individuals who are considering, or who have at some point considered, ending their own lives.

For the outing, mother-of-three Kate looked perfectly polished in a £295 Winser London silk pussybow blouse and matching blue coat, thought to be from Alexander McQueen, teamed with elegant navy trousers, recycled £85 Missoma hoop earrings and a DeMellier London £295 handbag.

PIPS was founded in 2003 following the loss of 14 young people to suicide in Belfast over a short period of time the previous year. Compelled to act, stakeholders from across the city came together to try to tackle the issue. 

Colour coordination: The Prince and Princess of Wales opted for matching blue ensembles when arriving in Belfast, Northern Ireland, today for a surprise one-day visit

Warm welcome: Upon their arrival at PIPS charity, 12-year-old Elyse Quinn, the daughter of the charity’s executive director Renee Quinn, presented the princess with a bouquet of flowers (pictured)

The Prince and Princess of Wales speak with Erin Quinn, aged 24, about her personal challenges and how PIPS is supporting her to overcome these

The royal couple speak with staff and counsellors during their visit to the PIPS (Public Initiative for Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm) charity 

Ready to start! The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived in Belfast today for a surprise trip as they visited a suicide prevention charity

Lord mayor Tina Black and Sinn Fein MP for the constituency John Finucane were among those who welcomed the royal couple on arrival.

Inside, 12-year-old Elyse Quinn, the daughter of the charity’s executive director Renee Quinn, presented the princess with a bouquet of flowers.

During their visit, William and Kate spoke with staff about their work helping people at risk of suicide and self-harm.

The charity also arranged for them to take part in an art therapy session – painting pumpkins – with some vulnerable children who have been supported by PIPS. 

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Beaming: The smartly-dressed Princess of Wales was all smiles upon her arrival at the charity in Belfast, Northern Ireland 

The Princess of Wales (pictured with Prince William) opted to keep her hair down for her outing today, and added a smattering of stylish makeup to her features

The Prince and Princess of Wales talking to Lord Mayor of Belfast Tina Black (pictured right) during a visit to PIPS today

Blooming lovely! The Princess of Wales is given a stunning bouquet of flowers during her visit to the Belfast-based charity

 PIPS was founded in 2003 following the loss of 14 young people to suicide in Belfast over a short period of time the previous year. Compelled to act, stakeholders from across the city came together to try to tackle the issue. Pictured, Kate today

Elegant: Mother-of-three Kate looked perfectly polished in a silk pussybow blouse and matching blue coat, teamed with navy trousers, recycled £85 Missoma hoop earrings and a DeMellier London £295 handbag 

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisation has seen a significant rise in those reaching out for help. That includes an increase of more than 500% among young people.

At the close of their visit, the prince and princess will be invited to join a group of volunteer counsellors in packing up the charity’s Little Boxes of Hope.

The support packages are given to children following their time with PIPS to assist their ongoing recovery and ensure that their parents and guardians feel better equipped to cope.