Overview

• The Prince and Princess of Wales made an unannounced, day-long visit on 14 October to Northern Ireland, beginning at the £50 million NIFRS Learning and Development College near Cookstown that opened in May.
• They observed high‑rise and water‑rescue drills, rode in a fire engine as the Princess joked about using the sirens, and both attempted flood‑rescue line throws in a fast‑moving simulator without success, according to instructors.
• NIFRS chief fire and rescue officer Aidan Jennings called it a proud day for the service and said the college’s scenario‑based facilities, including a flood‑water simulator described as one of only two at a fire‑service training site worldwide, are transforming training.
• In the afternoon they visited Mallon Farm in County Tyrone to spotlight a flax‑to‑linen sustainability push, where they saw heritage processing equipment and met makers discussing consumer interest in traceable textiles.
• The day concluded at Long Meadow Cider in County Armagh with apple picking, tastings and a potato apple bread demonstration, alongside a private meeting with PSNI officers, marking the couple’s first joint return to Northern Ireland since 2022.