William and Kate join leaders from around the world in video greeting
LOVE OF THE IRISH: CELEBRATIONS FOR ST PATRICK’S DAY
THE DUKE and Duchess of Cambridge have joined world leaders in wishing the Irish a happy St Patrick’s Day.
William and Kate appeared in the special video greeting yesterday along with the President of the USA, Joe Biden, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, New Zealand’s leader Jacinda Ardern and Australian PM Scott Morrison.
The Duke began by delivering his greeting in Irish, saying “Beannachtai na Feile Padraig oraibh” – Happy St Patrick’s Day – followed by Kate, who said:
“We’re delighted to wish you all a very Happy St Patrick’s Day.”
William quipped to his wife: “How come you got that easy bit?”
The couple, both dressed in shades of green which is the republic’s national colour, recalled the welcome they received in Ireland last March ahead of the first lockdowns.
William 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.”
Kate 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.”
The Duke, who is Colonel of the Irish Guards, and the Duchess traditionally attend the Guards’ St Patrick’s Day parade each year at barracks in London.
He sent a letter to the British Army regiment, expressing his pride at the “grit and determination” they have shown during the pandemic.
Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheal Martin had also urged the public to enjoy a safe St Patrick’s Day, stressing the importance that people avoided social gatherings amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
We’re delighted to wish you all a very Happy St Patrick’s Day. Message to the Irish from the Duchess of Cambridge.