Kate Middleton Happily Held a Tarantula Named Charlotte
Aaand Prince William held a snake.


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have had an eventful trip to Northern Ireland, to say the least. Kate Middleton donned the most amazing purple suit and navy pumps to visit Ulster University in Derry/Londonderry with her husband (who also wore a suit, but what else is new), and meet some students.
Something else they met? Why, a tarantula with the same name as their daughter, of course. But where I would have run a mile, Middleton flinched not one bit as she held the animal in the palm of her hand, a massive grin on her face. So she's not just a duchess, she's also a damn hero—whereas her husband smiled through gritted teeth, one safe step behind her, which seems more like it TBH. Sharing a photo of the moment on Twitter, they wrote, "A surprise guest appearance from Charlotte the tarantula."
Prince William didn't totally chicken out, though, as he got to handle a snake. Granted, he didn't exactly look at ease with the reptile, but like, he also didn't faint. Gotta celebrate the small wins.
During their tour of the university, Middleton also enjoyed a dainty half-pint of Guinness.
Posting photos from their visit on Instagram, the Cambridges wrote, "It's lovely to see @UlsterUni students reunited with each other on campus!
"Having spent the day hearing from the student union and being reconnected with nursing students from earlier in the year, it’s inspiring to see how young people are promoting inclusivity following the pandemic in Northern Ireland.
"@UlsterUni is continuing to develop a new generation of healthcare workers, including those doctors in the new School of Medicine, who will work in Northern Ireland and beyond once their studies are complete."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
While in Derry/Londonderry, the couple also played some rugby and some soccer.
Related Stories

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Kate Middleton Channels Princess Diana at Trooping the Colour 2025
The Princess of Wales even wore the same designer as her late mother-in-law.
-
Taylor Swift Styles a Breezy Loewe Dress for a Special Surprise Visit
She made their day.
-
After Season 2's Controversial Ending, Will 'The Devil's Plan' Return for Season 3?
Fans have a lot of thoughts about where the Korean reality show should go.
-
This Vintage Clip of Kate Middleton Apologizing to Prince William After Beating Him in a Boat Race Is Going Viral on TikTok
"We were sabotaged," Will joked after Kate beat him not once, but twice.
-
The "Cheeky" Joke Prince William Made Referencing a Former Queen at Formal Windsor Castle Event
The Prince of Wales was speaking to 'Bad Sisters' star Anne-Marie Duff at the time.
-
How Prince George and Prince William's "Shared Passion" Made a Windsor Castle Event "Extra Special" for One Attendee
The father and son duo have made quite the impact.
-
Princess Eugenie Has Allegedly "Formed an Alliance" With Prince William, Which Could Impact Her Future Within the Royal Family
A "shared passion" has "brought the cousins closer together."
-
Why Princess Diana Once "Canceled Lunch" at Kensington Palace to Take Prince William and Prince Harry to McDonald's
A former royal chef revealed the relatable reason Diana took her kids to the popular fast food chain.
-
The "Staggering" Drug Smuggling Shipment Prince William Helped Intercept With the Royal Navy in 2008
William experienced "a lot of excitement and a lot of danger," per a royal expert.
-
How Prince William and Princess Kate Are "Preparing" George, Charlotte, and Louis for "Their Future Roles" Within the Royal Family
"William takes his responsibilities...very seriously," a royal expert explained.
-
Prince William and Prince Harry Could Be "Tempted" to Secretly Bid on Their Mother's Outfits in New Auction
Who could blame them?