The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have celebrated St Patrick’s Day by taking part in a special video alongside world leaders, including US President, Joe Biden.
William and Catherine couple got into the spirit of celebrations by wearing outfits of green. Prince William opened the couple’s message by speaking in Irish saying: “Beannachtai na Feile Padraig oraibh” – Happy St Patrick’s Day.
The Duchess, wearing an green jacket and a shamrock necklace, said: “We’re delighted to wish you all a very Happy St Patrick’s Day.”
Jokingly, William turned to her and said: “How come you got that easy bit?”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lead the royal family in celebrating St Patrick’s Day. (IMAGE: @dfatirl/Twitter).
Referencing their royal tour of Ireland in 2020, he continued “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.”
Catherine 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.”
“We know that for Irish people all around the world today won’t be the same as normal,” the Duke added, “but we hope that you can celebrate safely in any case.”
The Duke, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the Irish Guards, usually attends a parade at the regiment’s barracks to handout shamrocks; his wife, Kate, often joins him, and the occasion is celebrate with a pint of Guinness afterwards.
To end the message, the Royals signed off: “Happy St Patrick’s Day.”
We have a saying in the Irish language: ‘Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine’
Meaning we live in each other’s shadows.
It speaks to the interdependence of our world
Thank you to friends around the? for these special #StPatricksDay greetings #GRMA
#GlobalIreland ?? pic.twitter.com/XHlB7sAxkp
— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) March 17, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Others in the video included Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and Princess Takamado of Japan.
Their message followed The Queen’s own personal message, who like the Cambridges, shared her own fond memories of her visit to Ireland on Tuesday ahead of the celebrations.
The couple carried out their tour of Ireland before the first UK lockdown came into effect in March 2020. They were greeted by President Michael D Higgins and his wife, Sabina and and took in the views of the Howth cliff path.
The Cambridges pose with the Higginses – and dog Brod (President of Ireland)
The monarch, who recently welcomed her husband back to Windsor Castle after a long stint in hospital, 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.
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh go léir
Ahead of #StPatricksDay tomorrow, The Queen has sent her best wishes to the people of Ireland ➡️ https://t.co/FQv88xVz5q
?Her Majesty is pictured with @PresidentIRL and during her historic visit to Ireland in 2011. pic.twitter.com/4OKpaAp74v
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 16, 2021
“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.”
The Prince of Wales also sent his well-wishes and he recited The Shipping Forecast by Irish poet, Seamus Heaney.
