Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent the evening at a summer garden party at the British Ambassador’s headquarters in Glencairn, South County Dublin.
The event was attended by leading figures from Ireland’s arts, sports, military and social enterprise sectors.
The grounds of the property looked spectacular ahead of the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The British Embassy shared a photo of the venue on Twitter captioned, “Glencairn looking regal and awaits the arrival of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex #RoyalVisitIreland“
Glencairn looking regal and awaits the arrival of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex #RoyalVisitIreland pic.twitter.com/6G99hru7Sh
— British Embassy (@BritEmbDublin) July 10, 2018
The event was DJ’d by 2FM’s Louise McSharry who shared her excitement on Twitter.
She informed her Twitter followers that she would be showcasing contemporary Irish music by posting a photo of her playlist, which included songs by Daithí and The Delorentos.
“FYI, I am playing a set entirely made up of contemporary Irish music,” she stated.
*extreme JVN voice* CAN YOU BELIEVE? https://t.co/M8ZFQf8AHe
— Louise McSharry (@louisemcsharry) July 10, 2018
The British Embassy has been keeping fans up to date on the royal couple’s visit.
Their official Twitter account shared, “On arrival to Glencairn Their Royal Highnesses will be greeted by our Ambassador Robin Barnett and they will meet some politicians and guests from the sporting world, business, performing arts, film & tv and social entrepreneurs and military.”
On arrival to Glencairn Their Royal Highnesses will be greeted by our Ambassador Robin Barnett and they will meet some politicians and guests from the sporting world, business, performing arts, film & tv and social entrepreneurs and military
— British Embassy (@BritEmbDublin) July 10, 2018
Aisling Bea was one of the first invitees to announce her attendance.
She wore a Simone Rocha dress and rings by Chupi and Laura Whitmore, to the soirée to support Irish design.
The comedian also had her makeup done by James McInerney, an Irish makeup artist.
Guests were asked to keep hush about their invites.
Famous names in attendance included Niall Breslin, who was privileged to meet the Cervical Cancer scandal whistleblower, Vicky Phelan, at the glam garden party.
He expressed his delight by captioning a photo with her, “Honored to meet and chat with this incredible lady Vicky Phelan this evening. ????????”
TV presenter Lucy Kennedy, was another lady promoting Irish design at the event.
She stunned in a red gown by Geraldine O’Meara as she posed with a whole array of celebrities, from Michael Healy Rae right up to the Duchess herself.
The Living With Lucy presenter told her Instagram followers Prince Harry was, “Such a lovely guy. Very genuine and down to earth.”
Among the first guests to arrive were Brian O’Driscoll and Amy Huberman.
The couple, who are as close to Irish royalty as they come, were just back from Wimbledon but managed to look spiffing for the shindig all the same.
Kensington Palace tweeted, “The Duke of Sussex meets @IrishRugby legend @BrianODriscoll at a @BritEmbDublin reception #RoyalVisitIreland ????”
The Duke of Sussex meets @IrishRugby legend @BrianODriscoll at a @BritEmbDublin reception #RoyalVisitIreland ???? pic.twitter.com/VY66QdTwzU
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 10, 2018
Political figures including Enda Kenny, Mary Robinson and Martin Heydon also attended the bash.
Megan changed outfits for the soiree, swapping out of her green Givenchy dress into a black cocktail dress.
The former Suits actress sported a side parting for the evening event.
She paired a black clutch with her second outfit of the trip as she greeted guests with her husband.
Welcome to Glencairn! Their Royal Highnesses have arrived for a reception hosted by our Ambassador #RoyalVisitIreland pic.twitter.com/0PRnvAZZj0
— British Embassy (@BritEmbDublin) July 10, 2018
She started off amazing and maintains amazing! Stunning times THREE #royalvisitireland #DuchessOfSussex #Ibowdown pic.twitter.com/7JuMMmzAr9
— CarmenAlicia (@RoyallyExcited) July 10, 2018
“I have the greatest confidence that the friendship, collaboration and mutual understanding that our two countries have built up over the years will endure and it will grow.” — The Duke of Sussex #RoyalVisitIreland ????????: https://t.co/YnfzAFW5Ea pic.twitter.com/cuNIlxvKQF
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 10, 2018
Moe Dunford, Barry Keoghan and Catriona Balfe were among the huge names to attend the fancy affair.
Irish activist and changemakers were among some of the guests the Duchess was most xcited to meet with inventors like Izzy Wheels in attendance.
Sinead Burke expressed her joy about her encounter with Meghan on Twitter.
The Duchess of Sussex meets Irish writer, academic and broadcaster Sinead Burke at a @BritEmbDublin reception #RoyalVisitIreland pic.twitter.com/cqb1RfXuzG
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 10, 2018
The Duke of Sussex address the guests at the party with Barry Keoghan posting segments of his speech on his Insta stories.
Harry told guests, “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!”
She is just not playing around y’all????????????#sidepart#DuchessOfSussex #RoyalVisitIreland pic.twitter.com/rW8n4cwQcH
— Harry’s Meg (@HarrysMeghan) July 10, 2018
???? First HQ photos of The #DukeandDuchessofSussex at a Garden Party at The British Embassy in Dublin #MeghanMarkle #RoyalVisitIreland???????? https://t.co/cQBvmDwQ4h pic.twitter.com/JGn452y4nE
— Meghan Markle Fan I meghanmarklefan.com (@mmarklefancom) July 10, 2018
He was widely praised for his use of Gaeilge twice during his speech.
A proud Gaeilgeoir, Niamh tweeted from the event, “Really pleased to hear Prince Harry use very well pronounced Gaeilge twice in his speech.”
Sources inside the party reported that Simon Coveney made a Brexit joke in front of the royals.
Really pleased to hear Prince Harry use very well pronounced Gaeilge twice in his speech @BritEmbDublin #RoyalVisitIreland pic.twitter.com/5ILZwea1dT
— DublinByMouth: Niamh (@DublinByMouth) July 10, 2018
The couple’s action-packed visit continues tomorrow, kicking off with a visit to see Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin.
They will then make their way to Trinity College, Croke Park, and the Famine Memorial, before visiting the Irish Emigration Museum.
The Duke and Duchess will wrap up their trip at the co-working space, DogPatch Labs, where they will learn about the bright future of Ireland by chatting to entrepreneurial women.
