Princess Kate threw a hilarious jibe at her husband, Prince William, during one of their engagements in Northern Ireland on Tuesday. The Prince and Princess of Wales made the unannounced trip in the morning, with Kensington Palace saying they would “spend the day visiting innovative organisations that showcase growth and investment in rural areas and demonstrate entrepreneurial and creative opportunities for young people”.
One of their engagements included a visit to an apple farm in Armagh, Northern Ireland’s Orchard County. Catherine McKeever described their visit as “surreal” saying she “never imagined” they would come to her family’s farm.
Mrs McKeever and her husband Pat’s children are now the third generation to run Long Meadow, which is just outside Portadown, Co Armagh.
They have diversified the business, which now produces craft ciders, apple juice and apple cider vinegars and welcomes tourists for tours and tastings.
William and Kate viewed the production facilities and sampled some of the freshly made produce.
Mr and Mrs McKeever’s son, Peter, said, “The juice was freshly pressed, with no added water or sugar. They got it in its raw, pure state, and they absolutely loved it.”
He said he had discussed cider with the couple, adding: “William didn’t say what he liked as a favourite, but he said he likes a dry cider.”
An apple-picking excursion followed, with the royal couple going head-to-head at gathering some of the Bramleys.
Kate filled her basket much quicker than her husband, saying: “As soon as you pick one, they fall.” However, while watching William struggle to pick his own apples, she told him, “Don’t drop the fruit, William.”
The royals were asked to help out with the apple harvest, picking Golden Delicious and Bramley apple varieties.
Pat McKeever said the royal couple were very interested in the different varieties and discussed the apple trees they have at home.
The final stop was for a royal bake-off, when William and Kate tried their hands at making the McKeevers’ favourite potato apple bread.
Other stops during their visit included a new college training firefighters in Ulster and Mallon Farm, a flax farm in Co Tyrone. The couple also met privately with officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).