Prince William and wife Kate Middleton praised the “friendship between the UK and Ireland” as they made a public appearance to mark St Patrick’s Day on Wednesday.
In a message recorded as part of the Government’s Global Irish program, the Duke of Cambridge started by speaking in Irish, saying: “Beannachtai na Feile Padraig oraibh (Happy St Patrick’s Day).”
“We’re delighted to wish you all a very Happy St Patrick’s Day,” the Duchess, who was wearing an apt emerald green boucle jacket and her Daniella Draper shamrock necklace, added.
US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and others joined the Cambridges in the special video greeting.
William also teased Kate in the video, and quipped, “How come you got that easy bit?”
During the message, William recalled the couple’s tour of the nation last year, and said: “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.”
“We know that for Irish people all around the world today won’t be the same as normal, but we hope that you can celebrate safely in any case.”
“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,” Kate added.
The two ended their message by greeting, “Happy St Patrick’s Day.”
The royal couple is known to traditionally attend the Guards’ St Patrick’s Day parade each year at barracks in London, but will not be able to carry out this year due to coronavirus restrictions.
They were notably all smiles despite the highly publicized drama with Harry and Meghan following their interview with Oprah Winfrey.