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It was a quick turnaround for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry yesterday. Soon after landing in Dublin airport they made their way to the British Ambassador’s Residence in Glencairn for a garden party. There they met members of the sporting, arts and military communities, and the guest list was impressive.
The party saw Meghan debut her third outfit of the day – a simple, belted, black cocktail dress by designer Emilia Wickstead. We especially loved the moment when the royal couple arrived, and Meghan stopped to greet a young boy. Meghan shook his hand, before breaking out in a laugh as the little boy looked on, unsmiling. Prince Harry gave him a ‘thumbs-up’.
Prince Harry addressed the guests with a speech that began with a few words of Irish. Addressing the Tánaiste Simon Coveney, the British ambassador Robin Barnett and “a Dhaoine Uaisle,” he followed quickly with: “Did I get that right?”. The crowds laughed.
He continued, “Standing here with you on this beautiful evening, it is easy to see why Ireland has such a special place in the hearts of my family and indeed, all those who come here,”
“We’re so pleased to be here, for our first official international visit together as a married couple, and we hope it will be the first of many,” the Duke of Sussex told the crowd.
“As each other’s closest neighbours, the UK and Ireland’s relationship is unique; our shared history is long and complex.
“There have of course been challenging, and at times tragic, periods of that relationship.
“On this visit we will also celebrate just how much unites us. This is a very special relationship between two proud, sovereign countries.”
This royal visit, which was confirmed by Kensington Palace last month at the request of Her Majesty’s Government, will be relatively short. The royals will be in Ireland for little more than 24 hours, possibly because of other engagements (possibly because Harry wants to watch England play in the semi-final of the World Cup tomorrow).
Today, the pair are expected to visit Croke Park; the Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin, and the Irish Famine Memorial at the Irish Emigration Museum.