Prince William in NI visit to honour emergency services on ‘999 Day’

The duke also praised the volunteers who work alongside the first responders and those who provide a wide range of support services – and stressed the need for society to look after those who look after us.

At the PSNI training centre in east Belfast, the royal visitor met a number of student officers involved in a scheme which allows PSNI staff to support each other in the aftermath of serious incidents.

The visit had a particular focus on the mental health challenges faces by the emergency services and the duke was introduced to a five-month old Irish setter being trained as an assistance dog for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder sufferers.

In a Twitter message, the NIO said: “We welcome The Duke of Cambridge @KensingtonRoyal as he marks Emergency Services Day in Belfast. Thanking first responders for their work and taking the opportunity to discuss the importance of #mentalhealth for those working on the front line.”

Prince William, a former RAF search and rescue pilot, also had a two-year spell as an air ambulance pilot in East Anglia.

Speaking directly to the blue light responders, in a speech the duke hailed their dedication during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This has already been an extraordinary year,” he said.

“The months ahead will no doubt be uncertain and at points scary. But, thanks to the dedication and sacrifice of those of you working across the emergency services and in the NHS, I count myself and others in this country very fortunate.

“Your dedication is not only apparent when we are faced with a global pandemic.”

William added: “Each and every day, people from teams across the blue light community are called to the scenes of dreadful incidents.

“But 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, We must ensure that you have the right support in place each and every day.”

The duke’s visit came a day after he convened the first meeting of a new body established to improve mental health support for members of emergency services across the UK.

The Emergency Responder Senior Leader Board will promote collaborative working to ensure all emergency responders receive the mental health support they need.