Prince William and Kate Middleton pull pints and play Tarzan in Northern Ireland – see best photos

The royals go by the titles Baron and Lady Carrickfergus

Updated: February 27, 2019Feb 27, 2019, 9:06 PM GMT

Kate Middleton in a red coat with black cuffs, standing outside with cars in the background.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have touched down in Belfast for their previously unannounced two-day visit to Northern Ireland. William and Kate – or Baron and Lady Carrickfergus as they're known in Northern Ireland – spent the day meeting locals and carrying out a string of engagements.

Day one of their trip had a strong focus on the positive impact that sport, nature and the outdoors can have on childhood development, and improved physical and mental health for all.

William and Kate started with a visit to Windsor Park, where they learnt about the Irish Football Association's community Football projects, and how sport can play a role in bringing communities together. The royals then travelled to County Fermanagh where they visited a youth centre, before returning to the capital for a party at the iconic Belfast Empire Hall. Let's take a look at the best photos from the Duke and Duchess' first day in Northern Ireland…

We will be updating our story with real-time photos - stay tuned...

Kate Middleton, in a red coat, shakes hands with fans behind a barrier.

William and Kate arrived to cheers at Windsor Park, where fans had gathered to catch a glimpse of their royal visitors. Mum-of-three Kate wore a bold red coat by Carolina Herrera, which she has previously worn in 2017 during a trip to Paris. She had her hair styled in her trademark Chelsea blow-dry and completed her look with black opaque tights and high ankle boots.

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Kate Middleton in a red coat, smiling and waving, stands in an outdoor setting with blurred people in the background.

Kate wore a pair of her favourite Kiki McDonough gold leaf-shaped earrings.

Kate Middleton, wearing a red coat, holds a bouquet of flowers and smiles at a crowd.

Kate was inundated with pretty bouquets.

Prince William and Kate Middleton stand with Pat Jennings, touching an exhibit.

The royals also met Northern Ireland footballing legend Pat Jennings and were shown a bronze cast print of the stopper's "safe hands". William compared his own hands to the goalkeeper's.

Former Spurs and Arsenal goalie Pat is Northern Ireland's record caps holder, with 119 appearances during a career that took in the 1982 and 1986 World Cup Finals.

Group of young girls in purple shirts with adult coaches on a soccer field.

William and Kate learnt about the IFA's community Football projects and met a number of representatives from a variety of sports programmes, including Female Football Leaders, which encourages more women into key decision roles within football, and Powerchair, a programme designed for wheelchair users.

Kate Middleton in blue jacket and black leggings playing soccer with a young girl.

Kate had a quick change of outfit, swapping her dress for black skinny jeans and a puffer jacket to play football. She tied her hair back into a loose ponytail and got stuck into a dribbling drill.

A group of young girls in purple shirts with a woman, possibly a celebrity, kneeling among them on a grassy field with soccer balls.

The mum-of-three bonded with local children taking part in the footie session.

Prince William and Kate Middleton playing with a yellow ball on a green field.

William and Kate looked like they were having a lot of fun during the engagement! The Duchess told secondary school pupils that her son George is learning how to play football and tells her: "Mummy, you're so rubbish." Speaking to another group, she said: "I should have picked up some tips from George."

Prince William kicks a yellow soccer ball towards a woman in a white sweater.

The couple always show their fun side when playing sports together. William joked that their children weren't old enough for him to tackle.

Prince William and a woman, likely Kate Middleton, interact with children holding soccer jerseys.

Before leaving, the Duke and Duchess were presented with personalised football shirts for their children.

Kate Middleton smiling and talking to a group of young people near orange tents.

Their next engagement took the royals to Fermanagh, where William and Kate saw the work charity Extern is doing at Roscor Youth Village, an activity centre for children who have been referred to the charity by social workers or the Department of Justice. The site provides a safe space to help and support these young people, with a particular emphasis on outdoor activities and developing independent living skills.

A group of people setting up an orange tent in a park. A woman with long hair and wearing a black jacket is helping.

The royals met youngsters taking part in outdoorsy activities such as archery and tree-climbing. Kate has always been open about her love of nature and often speaks about how her kids Prince George and Princess Charlotte are fans of outdoor playtime.

Kate Middleton, wearing a blue jacket, aims a bow and arrow while others watch.

The sporty royal tried her hand at archery.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, balancing on a beam with others cheering him on.

The future King took part in an obstacle course, cheered on by the children.

Group of people in outdoor adventure gear, one man on tire swing.

"I am like Tarzan!" William joked as he made his way round the low ropes course. Then, when someone suggested that he was moving like a ballerina, he said: "Just like a ballerina! I have had many experiences of ballerinas." When the Prince spotted that a couple of photographers had turned up to record his efforts, he said: "All the press has turned up now. I'd better stop. Go and watch Catherine!"

Six people in a green canoe, paddling. All wear life jackets and helmets.

The royals also took to the water to take part in a canoe lesson.

Two personalized coasters with outdoor activity drawings and signatures, each with a pencil nearby.

William and Kate signed a special tile each at Roscor Youth Village.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, stands with a group of children in life jackets, smiling for a photo.

During the visit Kate and William had a private talk with some of the youngsters using the centre, with the media and other onlookers excluded. Charlie Mack, the chief executive of Extern, the charity which runs the centre, said: "It was an opportunity for them to listen directly to the young people. They were on their own. They specifically asked that they wanted to engage directly with them."

The royal couple later posed with the group for this photograph.

Prince William and Kate Middleton engage in conversation with an elderly woman.

Later on Wednesday, William and Kate returned to the capital where they were guests of honour at an informal party at Belfast Empire Hall. They met representatives from Northern Ireland’s business, arts and sport sectors, plus inspirational young people who have made a real difference in their community.