Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are spending the evening at a summer garden party at the British Ambassador’s headquarters in Dublin.
After meeting Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, the couple arrived at a special event, which was attended by leading figures from Ireland’s arts, sports, military and social enterprise sectors.
Looking chic in black, all eyes were on the Duchess of Sussex as she walked into the event hand-in-hand with Prince Harry, who delivered a touching speech in front of the crowd.
He said, “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.”
A lovely evening at British Ambassador’s Residence with Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their first official visit overseas as a married couple. Prince Harry spoke of how Ireland has a special place in the hearts of his family. #RoyalVisitIreland pic.twitter.com/IfhU7prqlf
— ⚖Josepha Madigan (@josephamadigan) July 10, 2018
“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!”
According to the Daily Mirror’s chief investigative reporter Russell Myers, Harry continued, “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.We share common values; culture, business links, family ties, and possibly a similar sense of humour.”
“Our relationship is of course informed by our history, but it is also one which is now dynamic and forward looking,” he said.
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.
