THE DUCHESS IN THE LIMELIGHT

The Duchess of Cambridge has really stepped forward into her new role of Queen-in-waiting, growing in confidence, ramping up her work with causes with which she clearly shares a genuine affinity, and taking on a more prominent role in assisting Her Majesty…

With all the upheavals in the Royal Family caused by Prince Harry and Meghan’s decision to step down from Royal duties, the other prominent Royals have been left with a somewhat busier schedule. Like her husband Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge will probably be expected to take on a heavier workload, but rather than being daunted by this she seems to be embracing her more high profile role.

Whether on a solo engagement or in company with the Duke, she always brings boundless enthusiasm to the task in hand, and seems to engage particularly well with children, a facet of her character that was very much to the fore on a February 12th visit to an open farm in County Down, Northern Ireland.

The Duchess received a guided tour of the Ark Open Farm in Newtownards, meeting the owners and staff at the family-run attraction. She also chatted to youngsters, who seemed enchanted with their Royal guest. Greeted on arrival by the Lord Lieutenant of Co. Down, David Lindsay, the Sheriff of Co. Down, Austin Baird, and the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Bill Keery, the Royal visitor was guided around the facility, meeting a range of animals including lambs, goats and alpacas.

At one point she turned snake charmer as she handled a corn snake and was left amazed as she held the pale yellow reptile named Sophie, confessing it was the first time she had picked one up. Holding out her arms, the Duchess remarked: “Are you sure it’s OK? Oh my goodness. No way,” before adding: “Is there a way to hold her? Wow, look at that.”

She asked a youngster next to her: “Do you want to touch the snake? She’s got the most amazing skin. This is the first time I’ve ever held a snake like that. How cool is that?”

FINDING A FIRST CHANCE