William and Catherine visited the West Yorkshire city of Bradford, where they engaged with a number of projects promoting social cohesion.
They began their visit at Bradford City Hall, where they met with young people and employers who are helping provide jobs to the community’s youth.
The couple then visited a restaurant from the MyLahore chain, meeting students on a kitchen apprenticeship scheme.
William and Catherine made mango and kulfi milkshakes before sitting down with representatives from the UK Women’s Muslim Council and people who have benefitted from the Council’s Curry Circle – an initiative that provides hot meals for the hungry and homeless.
The couple also visited the Bradford Khidmat Centre, which aims to help vulnerable members of society from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Their final engagement involved joining a workshop by Near Neighbours, an organisation helping people in diverse communities get to know each other.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7WgHiJlvxt/
The visit was the couple’s first official engagement since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were stepping back from royal duties.
William and Catherine didn’t comment on Harry and Meghan’s decision, despite members of crowds that greeted them asking about the announcement.
Thank you Bradford! #RoyalVisitBradford pic.twitter.com/w5BhjW7FrU
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) January 15, 2020
Since Harry and Meghan made their announcement, Prince William has released a joint statement with his brother denying a media report saying the split was caused by ‘bullying’.
“For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful,” read the statement.
A joint statement from the spokespeople of Prince William and Prince Harry: pic.twitter.com/H8hqYCHirK
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) January 13, 2020
A friend has also revealed Prince William privately expressed his sadness at his brother’s decision, saying, “I’ve put my arm around my brother all our lives and I can’t do that anymore”.
