Kate Middleton, Prince William Open Balfour Hospital During Their First Official Visit To Orkney

Kate Middleton and Prince William made their first official visit to the Scottish island of Orkney on Tuesday.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge started their activities by opening the new Balfour Hospital in Kirkwall. The royal couple also met with the local National Health Service staff and heard their experiences over the past year, prior to the hospital’s formal opening.

The new hospital is expected to bring several health services being offered in the Scottish mainland back to Orkney. Kate and William were astonished by the new building’s design, which is based on the Neolithic settlement called Skara Brae.

In the photos and some videos uploaded on social media, the mom of three was seen sporting a camel-colored coat by Massimo Dutti and a scarf in Strathearn tartan. Prince William, on the other hand, opted for a blue-colored top and a light brown coat.

The Cambridge couple also dropped by the European Marine Energy Center (EMEC), which is the only accredited wave and tidal test center for marine renewable energy in the entire world. During the visit, Kate and Prince William learned more about the center’s role in tackling climate change and supporting the green recovery of the United Kingdom.

The royal pair also visited the fuel cell and hydrogen storage trailers at the Kirkwall Pier. They then headed out to the sea to witness the world’s largest energy turbine, called 2MW “O2,” in action.

Kate and Prince William spent most of the day on the island, which is about 310 miles north of Edinburgh, before continuing their visits across Scotland until Thursday. The Duke of Cambridge arrived in Scotland on May 21, but his wife joined him Monday.

Earlier this week, the royal couple joined a video call with the Glasgow Overdose Response Team (GORT) staff and service users. During the talk, Kate and Prince William heard how the service works to reduce drug-related deaths by providing real-time crisis support for individuals who have experienced a near-death overdose.

Prince William also spoke on his role as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly on Saturday.

“It is my duty today to speak, but equally I am here to listen," he said, adding: "In Scotland this week I will have my eyes and ears permanently open. Along with listening this week, there is something I do want to tell you... Scotland is incredibly important to me and will always have a special place in my heart.”