Prince William’s surprise trip to Northern Ireland hit a rocky note when pro-Palestinian protesters greeted him with boos at Ulster University in Belfast on November 14, 2024. What started as a regular royal visit quickly turned into a tense scene as a group of about 30 protesters chanted his name, followed by “shame,” creating an uncomfortable moment for the Prince of Wales.
The 42-year-old royal’s day began with engagements focused on uplifting Belfast’s creative sector and tackling homelessness. During his visit to Ulster University, he met with Irish Goodbye star James Martin to highlight the city’s growing creative industry. However, the muted crowd of students at the campus offered a far-from-excited welcome, adding to the uncomfortable feeling of the visit.
A less than warm reaction to Prince William as he departs @UlsterUni in Belfast this afternoon. @BelTel pic.twitter.com/jTJ2cLmUri
— Kurtis Reid (@kurtisreid_) November 14, 2024
This marked Prince William’s first trip to Belfast since June 2023, when he toured the UK to promote his Homewards initiative. Most recently, he also released his documentary “Prince William: We Can End Homelessness” on Disney+, a behind-the-scenes look into the royal’s work with the Homewards initiative to end homelessness.