Kate Middleton praised for 'perfectly' handling woman who heckled her in Northern Ireland

Kate Princess of Wales has been praised for how she handled a heckler while visiting Northern Ireland yesterday. 

Kate Middleton was out on a meet and greet with the public in Belfast yesterday afternoon, with hundreds of people lining the Marine Highway in Carrickfergus.

But it seems not everyone who turned out to see the Princess was a fan, as you will see below:

As she shook the hand of one woman in the crowd, the woman, who appeared to filming the encounter with her phone, said: “Nice to meet you but it would be better if it was when you were in your own country.

"Ireland belongs to the Irish."

In footage of the incident shared on social media, Kate appeared to be visibly taken aback as she nervously laughed, and quickly let go of the woman’s hand - all while managing to keep her calm and composure. 

She then moved away from the woman, while continuing to smile and shake the hands of others waiting in the crowd, who all appeared to be far happier to meet the Princess. 

PA

Her calm approach to the potentially volatile situation has been praised online, with one fan writing: “That lady was very rude! If she doesn’t like the Monarchy, why did she waste her time going there?

"But Catherine handled the moment perfectly and she and William were welcomed with open arms by the rest of the crowd everywhere they went! They are loved.”

Another said: “She [Kate] handled the situation with class and dignity, unlike the clown shouting at her.”

While a third added: “The Princess of Wales handled the situation with grace. She kept calm and carried on.”

Someone else commented: “Look how well Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales handled this situation. A true master of diplomacy and tact.”

PA

While in Belfast, Kate and husband Prince William, who were given the titles of Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus by the late Queen on the day of their wedding, visited a suicide prevention charity PIPS.

During their visit, the Prince and Princess of Wales spoke with staff about their work helping people at risk of suicide and self-harm.

The charity also arranged for them to take part in an art therapy session, painting pumpkins, with some vulnerable children who have been supported by PIPS.

They then went into Belfast city centre to view Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market where they took part in a cocktail making race, with the future King being declared the winner.