William and Catherine surprise shoppers at IKEA

The Prince and Princess of Wales visited IKEA Belfast, surprising shoppers, working the till, and meeting with UK business leaders. 

William and Catherine were on their seventh joint visit to Northern Ireland yesterday to see how it has implemented Homewards’ New Employment Opportunities Network (NEON). Homewards’ innovative employment pilot, first launched in Northern Ireland, has supported young people into work and helped them build confidence and sustain their new roles.

Co-founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in June 2023, Homewards is a transformative, five-year, locally led programme that aims to show how joining forces can reduce homelessness across the United Kingdom.

Launched in Northern Ireland in 2025, NEON was the first test of how a locally led, business-led, jobs-first model could help prevent homelessness through employment. Since then, seven employers have recruited 21 young people through the network, made possible by Homewards. Its success has led to scaling the approach across four further Homewards locations and securing commitments from major national UK companies.

IKEA has recruited young people locally through NEON, with support from Homewards partner Hays’ Project Flourish, in partnership with EveryYouth, and is a Homewards Activator and a member of the Centre for Early Childhood’s Business Taskforce.

On Friday, the Prince and Princess were greeted by Michaela Quinlan, IKEA store manager, and Ian Magill, operations manager, who led the couple to a room for a meeting with leaders from national businesses including Specsavers, B&Q and Howdens, who have committed to joining NEON and travelled to Northern Ireland to learn first-hand from the pilot’s success.

William and Catherine then sat with a young person now working at IKEA through the Homewards initiative, alongside those who supported her into employment. During the conversation, she shared how the opportunity, relationships and support she received have helped her build confidence, stability, independence and a stronger sense of belonging.

In an enormous surprise to shoppers, not least tipped off by the large security and media presence, the Prince and Princess helped out at the customer restaurant’s cash tills, assisted by store workers Séamus McBrearty and Sophie Russell.

Catherine spoke to two young girls at the checkout, saying, “Don’t forget these! Enjoy your dance lesson.”

Kensington Palace says the Prince and Princess of Wales and The Royal Foundation lead with the belief that change is always possible and are committed to building innovative, collaborative and optimistic solutions that deliver positive impact where it matters most.

Together, Their Royal Highnesses and The Royal Foundation can take a long-term view and unite people, ideas, and resources, inspiring action to deliver meaningful change for a better future for individuals, communities, society, and the planet.