Randalstown Receives a Royal Visit to Celebrate Women in Leadership

Graduates of the Women in Leadership Programme were thrilled to receive a surprise visit yesterday from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh, at their Graduation Ceremony in Randalstown Library.

The Duchess of Edinburgh, a strong advocate of Women in Leadership, heard from the women who took part in the Leadership Programme established by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 

In collaboration with Impact Network NI and Utopian Learning, the programme, designed to empower local women by building confidence and leadership skills started back in September 2024. The establishment of a Women’s Network within the Borough ensures that the learning, relationships and leadership developed through this initiative will continue to thrive and grow.

Speaking on yesterday’s visit, the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said, “It was an honour to welcome The Duchess of Edinburgh to the Women in Leadership Graduation. It was particularly fitting as the programme forms part of a series of legacy projects established in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a woman whose life of service, resilience, and quiet leadership continues to inspire generations. 

“I am immensely proud of this programme and of every woman who has completed
it. Their success represents progress, possibility, and a strong future for leadership across our Borough.”

Photo: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh attends the Graduation Ceremony for the Women in Leadership Programme at Randalstown Library.

During yesterday’s visit to Randalstown, The Duchess, accompanied by the Deputy- Lieutenant of County Antrim, Ms Jackie Stewart MBE, also had the opportunity to meet Libraries NI Board Chairperson, Ms Bonnie Anley; Libraries NI Chief Executive, Dr Jim O’Hagan and members of Randalstown Library reading group. 

Following the visit Dr Jim O’Hagan said, “We were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh, to Randalstown Library and to introduce The Duchess to members of our reading group.
“The discussion was lively and engaging, perfectly demonstrating how libraries bring people together through a shared love of reading.
“We are very grateful to Her Royal Highness for taking the time to visit the library and for showing such genuine interest in the work taking place within our communities.”

The Duchess of Edinburgh also took time to meet with Members of Tidy Randalstown, a group of volunteers who maintain the award-winning town, before concluding the visit.

[Written and supplied by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council]