The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge delivered a very special St Patrick's Day message. Sadly again this year, traditional parades and celebrations could not proceed due to the pandemic. Getting very much into the spirit of celebrating virtually, the royal couple joined world leaders including President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to mark the day.
William opened by wishing Happy St Patrick's Day in Irish. "Beannachtai na Feile Padraig oraibh." The Duchess added, "We're delighted to wish you all a very Happy St Patrick's Day. 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. 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."
You'll recall the Cambridges' first official trip to Ireland last year marked their last overseas visit before restrictions took effect. The three-day visit saw the couple travel from Dublin to County Meath, County Kildare and County Galway, focusing on charitable organisations, sustainable farming and highlighting the richness and diversity of Irish culture and sport. Below, William and Kate ringing the Peace Bell last year at President Michael D. Higgins' official residence, Áras an Uachtaráin. The bell was unveiled in 2008 to mark the 10th anniversary of the the Belfast Agreement, also known as the Good Friday Agreement, which heralded an end to most of the violence in the Troubles.
The Irish Foreign Ministry have celebrated throughout the day with messages from embassies all over the world and traditional music against the backdrop of beautiful scenery and locations.
In a message with Ireland's Ambassador to the UK, Adrian O'Neill, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said, "I wish everyone a very Happy St Patrick's Day. This is a day of celebration not just for Irish people around the world but for every friend of Ireland, too. Of course, today is a very different St Patrick's Day. Normally we would see parades and events in cities and towns all across England, Scotland and Wales. We would see the best of Irish Culture, too - not just on our screens - but in cultural venues. As we celebrate our national day, we do so in a renewed spirit of hope and optimism."
The Duchess was in an apple green ZARA jacket (with thanks to Caroline).
The £60 textured double-breasted blazer features long sleeves, metal buttons and front welt pockets with flaps.
Kate accessorised with her Daniella Draper shamrock necklace and earrings first worn in Ireland last year.
Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh!
In other news, congratulations are in order after news of a new addition to the family. Pippa Matthews and her husband James welcomed a daughter weighing 6 pounds, seven ounces, named Grace Elizabeth Jane, on Monday. Grace will be little sister to the couple's first child, Arthur. In a recent interview with Good Housekeeping, Carole Middleton said she "hoped to see more of my family than I could last year, including, of course, my new grandchild".