MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

Kate Middleton praised for ‘perfect’ response to heckler’s snarly comment during visit to Ireland

The woman, who shook Kate's hand aggressively, appeared to be recording the exchange on her phone as she told the Princess that 'Ireland belongs to the Irish'

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND: The Princess of Wales has been praised for remaining composed and unfazed when an Irish nationalist challenged her during a visit to Carrickfergus Castle in Belfast, Northern Ireland on October 6. During the meet and greet, the woman in the crowd shook hands with Kate Middleton and said, "Nice to meet you but it would be better if it was when you were in your own country." She also told the princess that "Ireland belongs to the Irish," according to Daily Mail. 

The nationalist wearing an emerald green coat appeared to be recording the exchange on a cell phone. Despite being in a state of shock, Kate kept her cool throughout the exchange, laughed, let go of the woman's hand, then smiled and greeted others in the group. Royal fans slammed the woman for being rude to her and praised Kate for handling the moment "perfectly." 

READ MORE

The new Princess of Wales: Kate Middleton becomes first royal to use title, 25 years after Princess Diana's death

Kate Middleton: A look at The Duchess of Cambridge's most fashionable looks of 2021

One observer took to Twitter and wrote, "That very disrespectful lady should have stayed at home instead of wasting her time waiting for someone she doesn't like Catherine handled the moment perfectly tho! She and William were welcomed with open arms by everyone else! There's a lot of love for them." Another user wrote, "That isn’t all she said either by the way. She actually did begin by telling her it was “lovely to meet her” One user slammed the woman and wrote,"Recording the moment on her phone" tells me all I need to know. Did it so she could get some attention not because she actually believes what she said." "All this rude woman achieved, was to highlight the graciousness and impeccable manners shown by the elegant Princess of Wales under pressure." penned one user. One user who met Kate during the meet and greet wrote, "Very disrespectful, I do not agree I met the princess today in belfast and was so glad she came and hope they both come back many times in the future." Another user tweeted, "Disrespectful woman. I think it’s stupid waste a time to wait someone and then to be rude. The Princess of Wales is always lovely and didn’t reserve this comment."

When Kate and William visited Carrickfergus, a town in County Antrim north of Belfast, there were hundreds of people lining the Marine Highway. They shook hands and gave fist bumps to local schoolchildren who had lined up for hours to see the royal couple. They had previously visited a local charity before being welcomed by Mid and East Antrim Mayor Noel Williams. On the morning of their 2011 nuptials, the late Queen bestowed upon William and Kate the titles of Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.