Prince William & Duchess of Cambridge Ring Peace Bell In Ireland

[Ladybbird]

Kate Middleton and Prince William Ring Peace Bell on First Day of Ireland Trip

Kate Middleton and Prince William, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are due to spend their first tour of Ireland visiting charities and other causes close to their hearts

Daily Mirror UK • 3 MAR 2020





The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived in Ireland this afternoon for a three-day visit - their first joint trip to the Emerald Isle - and have hit the ground running.


The pair have already had afternoon tea with the Irish president Michael Higgins, rung the peace bell in the presidential palace and have laid a wreath in the garden of rememberance.

Kate emulated the Queen and Duchess of Sussex by wearing green, in a symbolic gesture to the country.

Prince William and Kate Middleton earlier touched down at Dublin Airport with Kate in a green Alessandra Rich dress, paired with a green Catherine Walker coat, and matching green clutch bag.


In 2011, the Queen made a historic trip to Ireland - the first by a British monarch since the nation gained independence from Britain.

Her jade green ensemble stood out as she carried out visits in Dublin.

It was created by Stewart Parvin and consisted of a crepe coat and silk jade green and blue floral dress.
Her matching hat was designed by Rachel Trevor-Morgan and featured hand-made roses.




The Queen stunned in green back in 2011 for her historic trip to Ireland (Image: Getty Images) Meghan opted for emerald green for her arrival in Dublin in 2018, as she and the Duke of Sussex carried out their first overseas tour as a married couple.

The American former actress, who is now quitting as a senior royal, wore a fitted block-colour Givenchy dress for the occasion.

The Duchess of Cornwall chose a turquoise jacket and skirt when she carried out her first official visit to Ireland in 2015.

Today, William and Kate flew on onboard a commercial Aer Lingus flight from the UK and have being keeping to their packed schedule.




Meghan looked very chic in her green dress in 2018 (Image: WireImage)


They had afternoon tea with the Irish president Michael Higgins and his wife at the Áras an Uachtaráin.

"The couples discussed the close ties between the people of Ireland and Britain and the importance of continuing and deepening close relations between all of the peoples of these Islands," he said.

"President Higgins, Sabina and Their Royal Highnesses spoke of the challenges ahead, including the implications of the UK's departure from the European Union and the importance of continuing to build on the foundations of the Good Friday Agreement.





Kate pets the dog of Ireland's President Michael D. Higgins and wife Sabina Coyne (Image: Getty Images)


"They also discussed the global challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss and the urgent need to revisit the fundamentals of how we organise our economies and societies if we are to tackle these existential threats in a meaningful way.

"The importance of removing obstacles that inhibit young people from building their skills and realising their aspirations for a truly fair and sustainable world, and the particular importance of responding to the vulnerabilities of young people was among the other topics discussed."

William and Kate rang the peace bell at the presidential palace watched by one of the president's dogs Brod; his other pooch Sioda is said to have been absent due to a sore paw.

Later the Cambridges will head to a reception hosted by Robin Barnett, the British Ambassador to Ireland at the Gravity Bar at Guinness Storehouse.





Kate stuns in a green outfit (Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)


Kate shakes hands with Michael Higgins, the Irish president (Image: REUTERS)


The royal power couple will also meet the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during their time in Ireland.
The trip's timing means that every effort will be made to harness their soft diplomatic power as they promote the British brand.

The visit will highlight the strong links between the UK and Ireland, and the couple's programme will take in community initiatives and spectacular scenery, the palace said in a statement.

The statement added: "Following Her Majesty the Queen's historic visit in 2011, the visit will also focus on the relationship between the two countries, and build on the theme of remembrance and reconciliation."




One of the president's dogs Brod joined the royal couple (Image: Getty Images)



He watched on as they rang the peace bell (Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage)


It also said: "The UK's links with Ireland are extensive, and the duke and duchess are looking forward to building a lasting friendship with the Irish people."

Kate and William's tour will likely mean they will miss Prince Harry's Endeavour Fund Awards in London, which the Duke of Sussex will be attending with his wife