‘Free Palestine’: Prince William faces boos and jeers during his visit to university

Prince William encountered boos and jeers while departing from a university campus on Thursday afternoon.
Footages posted on X, captured the Prince of Wales maintaining composure with smiles and waves, despite vocal protests from students at Ulster University’s Belfast city centre campus.
People who were present there noted William received an unfavourable response during his exit to his vehicle. The crowd appeared to demand greater involvement from the future monarch regarding Palestine and Gaza, with the video concluding with “Free Palestine” chants.
Previously in February, the Prince made an unprecedented royal statement calling for peace in Gaza, saying that the “terrible human cost” of the conflict had seen “too many killed”. He said, “I, like so many others, want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible.”

He emphasised the urgent requirement for humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilians and urged Hamas to free remaining Israeli hostages. The reception during his departure stood in stark contrast to earlier moments of his university visit, where enthusiastic crowds gathered around him.
During one interaction, a student requested the Prince record a video message for an absent friend. Reports indicated that the royal responded positively to cheers directed his way.
William’s Northern Ireland itinerary was comprehensive. His afternoon included visiting Ulster University’s Belfast City Campus Centre to observe students studying visual production and tour its modern studio facilities.
The studio forms part of Ulster University’s initiative to develop future creative sector professionals, an industry valued at £1.4bn to the regional economy, employing over 24,000 individuals.
The Prince participated in an Ulster Screen Academy training session, where mentors collaborated with youth from local community groups, teaching them to operate software used in games, animation and virtual production development.