Prince William thanks emergency services during Belfast visit

The Duke of Cambridge with Community Rescue Service founder and regional commander Sean McCarry

The Duke of Cambridge has thanked the members of Northern Ireland's emergency services during a visit to Belfast.

Prince William was speaking to members of the police, fire and ambulance services during a visit to the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) Garnerville academy.

He also met the chiefs of each service as well as members of the PSNI's peer support team.

The prince was on a one-day visit to the city on Wednesday.

His visit began at the training college in east Belfast in the morning.

The prince also met Irish setter Tara, who has been trained to provide comfort to those suffering from PTSD

With 9 September designated 999 day, the duke, who served as an air ambulance pilot, took the opportunity to thank Northern Ireland's emergency responders during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"As you care for us in our time of need, so too must we ensure that we are there for you when you need it the most," he said.

"I know first-hand, that even in routine circumstances, those of you on the front line can face immense challenges that can naturally have a significant impact on both your physical and mental health.

Covid-19 workloads

He asked especially about the pressure their increased workload put on their families and how they were being looked after and protected from infection.

He also met student police officer and PSNI volunteers who are part of a support scheme, allowing staff to encourage and support each other during and after emergency situations.

Prince William was at the Police Training College at Garnerville in east Belfast

The prince passed a few minutes sitting with some of them as they underwent their training and hearing about the situations they have encountered.

Twenty PSNI officers and staff are taking part in a pilot scheme.

The Duke of Cambridge watches a search demonstration at Cave Hill Country Park

He also met five-month-old Irish setter puppy Tara, who is training as an assist dog for sufferers of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Later he visited Belfast Castle and Cavehill Country Park, where he met Community Rescue Service (CRS) volunteers including founder and regional commander Sean McCarry.

He watched a demonstration of how casualties are rescued and brought to safely.