King Charles has sent a message to the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, on St Patrick’s Day.
The King spoke about his previous ‘visits to your wonderful country have forged memories we deeply treasure’ and highlighted the significance of St. Patrick’s.
King Charles has spoken about the relationship between the two countries in his message. (Royal Family)
Opening his message, His Majesty wrote how he and his wife were send their ‘warmest congratulations on your National Day. St Patrick and his extraordinary odyssey across these isles is one of the threads in a tapestry of historical links that hold us together. Our own visits to your wonderful country have forged memories we deeply treasure’.
King Charles went on to highlight the importance of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in facing global challenges, writing ‘as our countries together face an increasingly turbulent and challenging world, our shared interests and values have never been more important. From the crisis of climate change to the importance of the international rule of law and justice, our cooperation is more crucial than ever’.
Charles and Camilla during a visit to Northern Ireland in 2023. (Royal Family)
‘My wife and I have the greatest pleasure in conveying our best wishes to you and to all Irish people in the year ahead.’
He concluded with the traditional Irish greeting: “Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh go léir.” (Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all.)
King Charles and Queen Camilla have made several visits to Ireland over the years, strengthening ties between the two nations. One of their most recent visits took place in May 2023, marking Charles’s first official trip to Ireland as Monarch. During this visit, the royal couple traveled to County Kildare, where they toured the Irish National Stud, a world-renowned horse breeding facility. They also visited a market in County Kilkenny, where they met with local artisans and food producers, emphasising the importance of sustainable agriculture and trade.
