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The Sussexes

Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend reception on first night in Ireland

On the first night of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit to Ireland, the newlyweds were welcomed at a reception held by the British Embassy.

In her third outfit change of the day, the Duchess of Sussex stunned in an Emilia Wickstead dress. A fashion success for her first international tour!

Guests of the reception included Brian O’Driscoll, Amy Huberman, Caitriona Balfe, Barry Keoghan, Lucy Kennedy and jockey Ruby Walsh.

The Duchess was seen speaking with writer, broadcaster and activist Sinead Burke, looking to thoroughly enjoy the conversation.

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2FM DJ Louise McSharry was also on hand to perform.

In a speech given by the Duke of Sussex to the guests of the evening, Prince Harry noted: “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!”

“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.”

Adding on to his toast to the President of Ireland: “We draw strength from one another as neighbours, partners, and above all friends.”
Earlier in the day, the duo landed in Ireland just past 5 pm after celebrating RAF100 earlier in the day in London. From there they headed to meet the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar.

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He showed them plaque marking the foundation stone laid by Edward VII in 1904.
The Foreign Office hopes that this trip will help highlight the importance of the relationship between Britain and Ireland. Particularly post-Brexit.
Varadkar said of the visit beforehand: “I think with the United Kingdom leaving Europe, we are really going to need to focus a lot more on bilateral relationships, and visits of the president to the UK or members of the royal family to Ireland help to cement that very close relationship between Britain and Ireland”.