The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Randalstown in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough to attend the graduation of a women in leadership programme run by the local council.

The programme, launched in September 2024 with partners Impact Network NI and Utopian Learning, aims to develop confidence and skills among local women. Council members established a women's network to sustain the initiative's outcomes.

Mayor Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick welcomed the Duchess and described the event as part of legacy projects honouring Queen Elizabeth II. Kirkpatrick expressed pride in the participants and their contributions to future leadership in the borough.

The Duchess met Libraries NI Board Chairperson Ms Bonnie Anley and Chief Executive Dr Jim O’Hagan, along with members of the Randalstown Library reading group. O’Hagan noted the engaging discussion highlighted libraries' role in community connections through reading.

Accompanied by Deputy-Lieutenant of County Antrim Ms Jackie Stewart MBE, the Duchess also spoke with volunteers from Tidy Randalstown, who maintain the town's public spaces.