William and Kate cook up a special day for youngsters
THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge helped prepare the dish of the day for a group of youngsters in the Republic of Ireland — after popping to a shop to teach the children about budgeting.
William and Kate joined 13 year olds Simon and Molly to visit a village shop to buy ingredients for vegetable soup.
Their trip to the Londis store in Prosperous, Co Kildare, was supposed to be a secret but by the time they got there around 200 villagers had gathered outside to see them.
William stopped to take a selfie with Jennifer Malone, who gave him a bunch of daffodils for his wife.
Philip Stynes, owner of the store, admitted he had told a few customers about the royal visit on Tuesday night and word soon spread.
He added: “It just snowballed from there.”
Before they set off, the Cambridges inspected the fridge with the youngsters and checked the ingredients needed for the soup — all designed to teach the children life skills.
William said: “There’s only one leek. Do we have to stick to the menu?”
He then told the others in the kitchen: “We’re going to shop for you. We’ll be back in a minute. We’ll bring back all the wrong ingredients.”
The couple, who had €20 (£17) to spend, returned 15 minutes later with a bag of provisions including brown bread, butter and leeks.
After washing their hands, they donned aprons to help Simon and Molly, and Owen
(13) and Chloe (15) prepare the meal for around 16 children and relatives.
Later, the couple played a game of table tennis with other young people who are supported by Savannah House, a respite centre run by social justice charity Extern.
The Duchess (right) quipped about their cocker spaniel, Lupo: “We try to do this at home but our dog keeps catching the ping pong balls.”
Each year around 300 children from across Ireland stay at the centre in Clane, Co Kildare, for a maximum of three nights to have a break from problems at home or while they are in care.
The Cambridges asked the children about whether they cook at home and what food they like. As they washed and peeled carrots, Kate asked: “Do you cook any vaguely healthy things?”
William asked the boys if they like pancakes, following Shrove
❝ I tried to get my children to eat pancakes but they weren’t so interested this year
Tuesday last week, and added: “I tried to get my children to eat pancakes but they weren’t so interested this year. Maybe next year.”
Extern supports more than 20,000 people per year, including 3,500 children in the Republic and 6,500 in Northern Ireland, affected by issues such as homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, offending and mental health problems.
The Duke and Duchess also enjoyed a romantic clifftop walk. Walking hand in hand and with a stunning coastline as a backdrop, William and Kate strolled along a path taking in the scenery.
The couple could have been any other husband and wife admiring the views of Howth Cliff, a popular tourist spot north of Dublin.
In brilliant winter sunshine they followed the trail to the summit which gave them panoramic views.
Waiting at the top was the Republic’s environment minister Richard Bruton who greeted them after they completed the climb.
After meeting the couple the politician said: “They remarked on how you couldn’t come to Ireland and not see the coastline so they got their wish.”