The Duchess of Edinburgh opened a new National Autistic Society centre in Randalstown, County Antrim. The facility provides day services for autistic adults with high support needs. It also offers evening and weekend activities for autistic people and families, including youth clubs and skills programmes.

The Duchess toured the centre's immersive suite with projection technology and sensory suite with interactive programmes. She met staff, supporters, beneficiaries and families. She unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening.

Shirelle Stewart, director of National Autistic Society Northern Ireland, thanked the Duchess for opening the centre. Alison Love, head of adult services for Scotland and Northern Ireland at the society, called the opening a milestone for services in the region.

The Duchess attended a graduation ceremony at Randalstown Library for the Women in Leadership Programme. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council established the programme in September 2024 with Impact Network NI and Utopian Learning. It honours Queen Elizabeth II.

Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, welcomed the Duchess and praised the graduates. Dr Jim O'Hagan, chief executive of Libraries NI, introduced her to a library reading group. She also met members of Tidy Randalstown volunteer group.

Accompanied by Deputy Lieutenant Jackie Stewart, Libraries NI board chair Bonnie Anley and others, the Duchess later visited Bloomfield Walkway Community Centre in east Belfast. She met Lord Mayor Tracy Young, MP Gavin Robinson and a Guide Dogs puppy in training.