Princess Kate, Prince William steal hearts with profound gestures at Fire & Rescue Service college

Kate Middleton and Prince William kicked off their elaborate Northern Ireland tour with a visit to the Fire & Rescue Service in Cookstown, October 14.

While there, the Prince and Princess of Wales checked out the institute’s newly inaugurated Learning and Development College.

The couple’s official Instagram account described the education centre’s features in a post which included their snaps from the college grounds.

“The incredible site includes a flood water rescue simulator, one of only two in the world, plus a mock motorway, model village high street and even a slurry pit – all designed to create realistic, hands-on training experiences,” the caption revealed.

Further noting that “it was inspiring to see trainee and newly qualified firefighters in action during a range of simulations”, they also praised the many opportunities which the town’s youth can now afford thanks to the college, as well as the imminent enhancement of emergency services around the country.

Though what really mesmerised William and Kate’s observers at the site was their heartfelt gestures for each other — from matching shoes to subtle moments of affection, royal expert Ingrid Seward noted that the pair appeared “stronger than ever”.

“I doubt they planned the matching shoes, but it suggests a symmetry between them and a connection and they seem stronger than ever,” Majesty Magazine’s editor-in-chief stated.

While Vanity Fair reported, “At one point, Kate placed her hand on William’s back as they arrived at the college.”

It is crucial to highlight that Kate Middleton and Prince William undertook a good amount of activities during their Northern Ireland trip, including visits to Mallon Farm in County Tyrone and Long Meadow Cider in County Armagh.