Princess of Wales praised for how she handled brutal heckler while in Northern Ireland

Princess Catherine of Wales has been praised for keeping her cool in the face of an Irish nationalist who lashed out at the royal at a Belfast walkabout.

Kate, who was recently crowned the new Princess of Wales in the wake of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, maintained her composure as she came face-to-face with the woman in Belfast on Thursday (October 6).

As she shook hands with the princess, the woman was caught on tape telling her: "Nice to meet you but it would be better if it was when you were in your own country."

Kate simply laughed off the comment before turning to greet other well-wishers.

Those in attendance praised the royal for handling the moment with grace and poise.

One wrote on Twitter: "That very disrespectful lady should have stayed at home instead of wasting her time waiting for someone she doesn't like... Catherine handled the moment perfectly though. She and William were welcomed with open arms by everyone else... there's lots of love for them."

Another added: "Most of my sisters would have given that woman a slap, about gripping her hand and pulling her towards her, very aggressive. If you have a problem, go speak to the politicians, this makes no sense."

A third chipped in with: "Wonder if her name was Karen?"

Others on social media pointed out how rude it was to attend the event only to heckle the royals.

The Prince and Princess of Wales exchanged handshakes, high fives and fist-bumps with the local school children.

The two royals also met with parents and local families in Carrickfergus, a town to the north of Belfast.

Prior to the school walkthrough the royal pair visited a mental health charity and were greeted by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Noel Williams.

The late Queen Elizabeth II gave William and Kate the titles Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus, back on the morning of their wedding day in 2011.