Duchess Kate stuns in red coat for surprise Northern Ireland visit with Prince William

Surprise! Prince William and Duchess Kate are making an unannounced visit to Northern Ireland.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge couple kicked off their two-day trip Wednesday by meeting members of the public in Belfast.

Perhaps in homage to the Northern Ireland flag, Kate, 37, wore a red Carolina Herrera coat, a go-to item in her winter wardrobe. She also wore the statement-making number during her and William's royal tour of Canada in 2016.

She paired the look with black pants and lace-up black heeled booties.

According to Kensington Palace's press release, their engagements during this visit are focused on celebrating the young people of the area.

On Wednesday, this included a visit to Windsor Park Stadium, home of the Irish Football Association, where Kate played football with local children.

William, 36, joined the fun too, passing the ball around with his wife.

According to the Belfast Telegraph, the royal duo joked around with the kids during play. The prince warned them of his sporty wife: "Look out, she goes for the ankles!" before shouting "Tackle her!"

Kate joked with a group of students that her 5-year-old son, Prince George, is now learning to play soccer (or football as the British call it), practicing at home and telling her: "Mummy, you’re so rubbish."

The royal couple are also scheduled for activities at the Roscor Youth Village in Fermanagh and a party at the Belfast Empire Hall.

This is the couple's third visit to Northern Ireland together, including a visit in 2016 and another in March 2011 right before their April wedding.  

William last visited Belfast in October 2017 without his wife, who was then pregnant with the couple's third child.

For security reasons, royal visits to Northern Ireland are usually not announced in advance and details on their itinerary were not disclosed. Kensington Palace announced the visit only after they touched down in Belfast.

Although security concerns had lessened in the wake of the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement between Britain and Ireland, uncertainty about the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit has heightened tensions again.  

More:Duchess Kate wins BAFTA red carpet in show-stopping white Alexander McQueen gown

Photos:Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry delight during Moroccan visit