William gives speech on Irish-UK bond for Ireland Day 2

William gives speech on Irish-UK bond for Ireland Day 2

Prince William and The Duchess of Cambridge‘s visit to Ireland continued on Wednesday, March 4.

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Day 2 started off in Dublin with a visit to Jigsaw, a mental health charity which works with young people across Ireland. William and Kate met with members of the Jigsaw team and board before meeting with young people who have been supported by the charity, volunteers, and supporters. They also met with representatives from schools who work with Jigsaw.

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William and Kate then moved to Extern’s Savannah House in County Kildare. Savannah House provides overnight stays for young people, and teaches them life skills development, such as managing a budget, cooking, and maintaining their living space.

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William and Kate took part in a meal prep and also table tennis.

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The next stop was Teagasc research farm in County Meath. William and Kate were shown the cows, and were educated on the technologies worked on by the organization to ensure beef is produced in an environmentally sustainable way.

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William and Kate then visited Howth Cliffs, located in County Dublin, for a stroll. They also met with representatives from the Marine Institute to talk about their work on safeguarding the ocean against climate change.

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One of the most memorable coats, for me, Kate has ever worn is that white double-breasted coat from William’s wings ceremony (whatever the official name for that is) in 2007 or so – no idea why, but I remember it vividly. Well, 13 years later Kate decided to take out it for a spin.

Kate wore her Reiss “Olivia” coat over an Equipment polka dot blouse she debuted in 2019 and Zara black skinny jeans. Kate debuted new Russell & Bromley “Date Night” boots (£225.00).

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For the wardrobe change for the afternoon visits, Kate changed into a Dubarry jacket and her much-loved Penelope Chivers boots.

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For both outfits, Kate wore new Daniella Draper earrings: Gold Mini Cupid Hoops With Baby Shamrock Charms (£385.00). Very on-theme.

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In the evening, William and Kate attended a reception at the Museum of Literature Ireland where William gave a speech discussing the relationship between the UK and Ireland.

Tánaiste, a dhaoine uaisle, Catherine and I are delighted to be here at the Museum of Literature Ireland, and are hugely grateful to the Tánaiste for the very generous welcome. It goes without saying that the relationship between the UK and Ireland is of vital importance, and that is why I am so pleased that Catherine and I are undertaking our first official visit here.

Growing up, I remember seeing the Troubles that took place, which affected so many people across the UK and Ireland. This explains why one of the truly profound moments for Catherine and me took place yesterday at the Garden of Remembrance. It was a reminder of the complexity of our shared history, and that as my grandmother said during her visit in 2011, “Our islands have experienced more than their fair share of heartache and turbulence”. But it was also a reminder about how far we have come. It is right that we continue to remember those who suffered as a consequence of our troubled past. And whilst many wrongs have been done, it is important that we are not bound by these.

Today, our relationship goes far beyond two countries that are simply neighbours. “We are firm friends and equal partners”, as my grandmother put it. The links between our people, businesses and our culture are inextricable, and we should all be proud to see how strong those bonds are. As we look ahead to some changes in our relationship, we must never forget how far we have come together in recent decades in transforming the relationships across our two islands.

Many people deserve our deepest gratitude for their hard work, imagination and, above all, courage in bringing about these profound changes. It is vital that people of my generation, and generations to come, never take for granted the progress we have made together. We must recommit ourselves to the path of friendship and understanding. Of course, the changing relationship between the UK and the EU will require us to work together, to ensure that the relationship between Ireland and the UK remains just as strong.

Over the past two days, Catherine and I have seen for ourselves why Ireland is a country looked upon with such envy. As we stood on the cliffs at Howth and looked across the Irish Sea – a mere 50 miles to the British coastline – it was easy to see why so many people find the lure of this beautiful country so difficult to resist. And beyond the breath-taking landscapes, we have received such wonderful hospitality and friendship from all those we have met. And this morning we were privileged to meet a group of remarkable people who are working to improve the lives of those who are less fortunate. Their commitment and their desire to help is truly inspirational. And we’re looking forward to seeing the wonders that the West coast has to offer when we travel there tomorrow.

Ladies and gentlemen, legal treaties are vital in underpinning the relationships between states. But relationships between people are equally, if not more, essential – especially between the people of our two countries, whose lives, histories and futures are so deeply intertwined. I am confident that friendship, understanding and a shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous future will ensure that the unique and precious bond between our people is not broken. My family is determined to continue playing our part in protecting, preserving and strengthening that bond.

So tonight, we celebrate our commitment to working together – a commitment that I firmly believe will support our relationship in going from strength to strength. Ladies and gentlemen, may I offer a toast to the President of Ireland and to the people of this wonderful country in thanks for the warmth of your welcome on what I hope will be the first of many visits for us. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.

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For the reception, Kate wore a vintage pink/purple polka dot dress from Oscar de la Renta with black trim and the dreaded ruffle. But not just any ruffle; a neck ruffle. With a second neck ruffle for good measure. Even my love of polka dots can’t overcome a ruffle. It’s a no from me.

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Kate went with Jimmy Choo clutch and shoes, and new Accessorize “Twisted Circle Drop Earrings” (£5.00). Is she making up for the expensive earrings on day 1 with a coat from 2007 and £5 earrings on day 2?

More photos from Day 2.

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