A host of Irish celebrities from the worlds of sport, film, TV and music were invited to the garden party at the British Ambassador's residence in Dublin yesterday, to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Ireland.
It's the pair's first visit to Ireland, and clips and photos of the event have been shared by the official Kensington Palace Twitter account.
One of them even sees Harry open his speech with a few awkward words of Irish - but it's the thought that counts, right? "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," he said, adding: "We draw strength from one another as neighbours, partners, and above all friends."
"We draw strength from one another as neighbours, partners, and above all friends." — The Duke of Sussex #RoyalVisitIreland 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/kH5hQRsGDr
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 10, 2018
Brian O'Driscoll, Amy Huberman, Aisling Bea, actors Catriona Balfe, Moe Dunford, Evanna Lynch and Barry Keoghan (who, like the rebel he is, didn't stick to the dress code) were among those in attendance - while Keoghan had his own take on the meeting:
When Prince Harry met the KING of Ireland 🇮🇪 � #princeharry pic.twitter.com/cHFekct4Na
— Barry Keoghan (@BarryKeoghan) July 10, 2018
Former president Mary Robinson also attended, as did designer Orla Kiely, 'Derry Girls' creator Lisa McGee, writer/activist Sinead Burke and Cartoon Saloon co-founder Nora Twomey.
See pics below:
"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." — The Duke of Sussex #RoyalVisitIreland 🇮🇪: https://t.co/YnfzAFW5Ea pic.twitter.com/cuNIlxvKQF
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 10, 2018
The Duchess of Sussex meets Irish writer, academic and broadcaster Sinead Burke at a @BritEmbDublin reception #RoyalVisitIreland pic.twitter.com/cqb1RfXuzG
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 10, 2018
The Duke of Sussex meets @IrishRugby legend @BrianODriscoll at a @BritEmbDublin reception #RoyalVisitIreland � pic.twitter.com/VY66QdTwzU
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 10, 2018
Brian O'Driscoll and Amy Huberman are among the excited guests waiting to meet Their Royal Highnesses #RoyalVisitIreland pic.twitter.com/2jB0o1ki6x
— British Embassy (@BritEmbDublin) July 10, 2018
Welcome to Glencairn! Their Royal Highnesses have arrived for a reception hosted by our Ambassador #RoyalVisitIreland pic.twitter.com/0PRnvAZZj0
— British Embassy (@BritEmbDublin) July 10, 2018
What a pleasure to meet this very talented actor and gentleman @BarryKeoghan at British Ambassador’s Residence this evening. For a Minister for Culture, it was a particularly wonderful encounter. #RoyalVisitIreland @IFTA #actors #Ireland #film @ScreenIreland @IFI_Dub @irishfilm pic.twitter.com/LaSWsGp0pg
— âš–ï¸?Josepha Madigan (@josephamadigan) July 10, 2018