The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have kicked off their royal tour of Ireland, their first official visit to the country, landing at Dublin International Airport on Tuesday.
Duchess Catherine, 38, fittingly wore green for the occasion looking glamorous in a dark green Catherine Walker coat and green printed dress by Alessandra Rich, green suede pumps and a black headband.
Prince William’s nod to the country was more subtle, looking smart in a dark blue coat and trousers and a checked green tie.
William and Catherine with the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina. (Image: Getty)
The future king and queen began their tour with a visit to the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and his wife Mrs Higgins who welcomed them for tea at their official residence Áras an Uachtaráin.
During the visit, the couple also stopped for a photo-op with the President’s adorable Bernese Mountain dog Bród, which means pride in Gaelic.
Bród has been in the company of many notable people, including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who visited Bród and the president’s second dog Sioda – who missed William and Kate’s visit this time due to a paw injury – back in July 2018.
The royals are known for their love of animals and the Cambridges are no different. The couple has dog of their own, an English Cocker Spaniel named Lupo who is also incredibly popular with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Just like Harry and Meghan, William and Catherine quickly fell in love with their new furry friend. (Image: Getty)
Following tea, Prince William and Catherine attended a commemorative ceremony at the Garden of Remembrance, a place dedicated to those who gave their lives for Irish independence.
There, they placed a wreath decorated with a card written by William which read: “May we never forget the lessons of history as we continue to build a brighter future together,” before they met with the Taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland, Leo Varadkar.
The royal couple laid a wreath and paid their respects at the Garden of Remembrance. (Image: Getty)
In the evening Catherine swapped her chic coat and dress for an equally glam metallic gown in, of course, her host nation’s signature colour: emerald green.
She and William attended a reception held at Gravity bar at the Guinness Storehouse and hosted by the British ambassador Robin Barnett, where they met with locals who are involved in the creative arts, sports, business and charity.
The storehouse opened 20 years ago and showcases the story of one of Ireland’s most famous drinks and is one of the country’s most popular tourist spots.
Catherine stunned in a metallic emerald dress at a reception at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. (Image: Getty)
Tuesday kicked off the couple’s three-day visit to the Emerald Isle, a visit which aimed to “highlight the many strong links between the UK and Ireland” and will “focus on the relationship between the two countries, and build on the theme of remembrance and reconciliation.”
Along with the capital of Dublin, the couple will also visit County Meath, Country Kildare and Galway where they will learn about local organisations working to support and empower youth, along with programs which provide opportunities to help them develop important life skills.
They’ll also hear about Ireland’s conservation initiatives as well as experiencing “a taste of modern and traditional Irish culture”.
William and Kate’s visit follows in the footsteps of the Queen’s historic trip to the country in 2011, the first time a reigning British monarch had visited in 100 years, back when the entire island was still part of the United Kingdom.
The Cambridges with Taioseach Leo Varadkar (far right) and his partner Matthew Barrett (far left). (Image: Getty)
Following their trip, the couple will also be gearing up for their reunion with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Commonwealth Day Service on March 9 at Westminster Abbey.
The service will be the first time Harry and Meghan will be making a public appearance with other members of the royal family since their shock announcement in January and will also mark one of their final appearances together as working members of the royal family.
