Despite being in her third trimester of pregnancy, Kate Middleton proved that nothing is too difficult as she joined Prince William on a busy day in Sunderland. The royal couple visited the city’s new North Spire bridge, where they learned about the local engineering talent and even tried their hand at tightening some bolts. The bridge, which crosses the River Wear, is higher than Big Ben’s clock tower and weighs an impressive 1,550-tonnes.
The Duke and Duchess congratulated the engineers and construction workers responsible for the bridge and acknowledged the benefits it will provide. Not only will the bridge improve connections between the city centre and the Port of Sunderland, it has created new jobs and investment for the city.
During their visit to Sunderland, the royals stopped in at the local Fire Station, which has been converted into an arts and music hub. The station has a special arts programme for children which includes aerial dancing, storytelling, crafts and street dancing.
The Duke and Duchess were welcomed to the station by programme participants and organisers, before being treated to an impressive Bollywood dancing performance by local children.
In the station’s old engine room, they met some of the cultural groups benefiting from the arts programme. The Duchess bonded with young children and even allowed one girl to give her a tattoo.
The royal couple also spoke to members of the Young Asian Voices Youth Project, which provides affordable health, welfare, recreation and education.
Watch Prince William tighten a bolt on the North Spire bridge in the video below!
The Duke tightens a bolt on the brand new bridge. 🔧
The #NorthernSpire is due to open in the spring and will be the tallest structure in the North East of England. pic.twitter.com/GVY2G5f2zh
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) February 21, 2018