Prince William And Kate Make Surprise Appearance On St Patrick’s Day
On Wednesday for St Patrick’s Day Prince William and Kate Middleton made a virtual appearance marking the Irish national holiday. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were part of a short film for the Irish government, starting off with the couple speaking in Irish, saying: “Beannachtai na Feile Padraig oraibh [Happy St Patrick’s Day].”
For the virtual appearance Kate went with one of her best colors, wearing a emerald green boucle jacket and her Daniella Draper shamrock necklace as a way of honoring the country’s official color. The couple continued with Kate saying: “We’re delighted to wish you all a very Happy St Patrick’s Day.”
“How come you got that easy bit?” William quipped to his wife. “We were so thrilled to be able to visit Ireland just over a year ago, a few short weeks before all of our lives were turned upside down by the pandemic.”
☘️ Happy St Patrick’s Day!
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) March 17, 2021
Visit @dfatirl to watch the full message from leaders around the world 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇨🇦🇯🇵🇦🇺🇳🇿🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/ZBzE3M6dXi
Kate added: “The warm welcome that we received everywhere was a testament to the friendship between our two countries and the strength of the relationship between the UK and Ireland.”
William: “We know that for Irish people all around the world today won’t be the same as normal, but we hope that you can celebrate safely in any case.”
The royal couple ended their message with: “Happy St Patrick’s Day.”
Last year the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge went on their first official tour of Ireland in March, visiting multiple locations, such as Dublin’s Garden of Remembrance, as well the Guinness Storehouse. The couple also got to try all kinds of Gaelic sports and enjoyed a romantic walk along a coastal cliff path near Howth in County Dublin.
Traditionally every year Prince William and Kate would attend the St Patrick’s Day parade with the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, where the Duke gives the salute, while the Duchess hands out shamrocks to the officers.
The public event did not take place last year due to most of the regiment being deployed somewhere overseas.
The Queen also marked St Patrick’s Day, by sending a message to President Michael D. Higgins on Tuesday, right before the holiday. In it the Queen talked fondly about her memories of her own visits to Ireland in the past.
The Queen wrote: “On the occasion of your National Day, I would like to convey to Your Excellency my congratulations, together with my best wishes to the people of Ireland.
“This year marks ten years since my visit to Ireland, which I remember fondly, and it marks a significant centenary across these islands.
“We share ties of family, friendship and affection – the foundation of our partnership that remains as important today as ten years ago.
“Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh go léir [Happy St Patrick’s Day to you all]. Elizabeth R.”