Ireland

Royal couple begin Irish tour

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex walk with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as they arrive at Government Buildings during their visit to Dublin, Ireland. Picture by Clodagh Kilcoyne/PA Wire
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex walk with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as they arrive at Government Buildings during their visit to Dublin, Ireland. Picture by Clodagh Kilcoyne/PA Wire The Duke and Duchess of Sussex walk with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as they arrive at Government Buildings during their visit to Dublin, Ireland. Picture by Clodagh Kilcoyne/PA Wire

Irish eyes were smiling on the Duchess of Sussex when she arrived in Dublin for the start of a historic visit with the duke – wearing a dress in emerald green.

Meghan paid tribute to her Irish hosts with the choice of colour for her stylish Givenchy outfit, as the couple’s much anticipated two-day trip began.

The husband and wife touched down in a private chartered jet at Dublin Airport for their first official overseas tour as a married couple.

Waiting to greet them at the bottom of the plane’s steps was Britain’s ambassador to Ireland, Robin Barnett and senior officials from the British embassy.

Harry and Meghan looked relaxed as they made their way down the steps and shook the hands of the waiting officials before being led to their car at the head of a motorcade.

Nearby motorbike outriders were waiting to escort the couple to a meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

The trip to Dublin is not the first time the duke and duchess have been away since their May 19 wedding.

Harry and Meghan slipped away unnoticed for their honeymoon and the destination for the traditional break has remained under wraps.

The airport greeting marked the start of the duke and duchess’s whirlwind tour that will see them celebrate Ireland and its people.

Later at Government Buildings the taoiseach officially welcomed the couple to Ireland.

Before the couple arrived Mr Varadkar said: “It is the first visit they will have made overseas since they got married and even though they haven’t officially visited Ireland before, I think they are going to be extremely welcome and I look forward to welcoming them.”

The unseasonably warm weather appeared to be an immediate topic of conversation between the trio, with Mr Varadkar pointing out a nearby patch of parched brown grass around a fountain.

 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend a Summer Party at the British Ambassador's residence at Glencairn House, during a visit to Dublin. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire
 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend a Summer Party at the British Ambassador's residence at Glencairn House, during a visit to Dublin. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire  The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend a Summer Party at the British Ambassador's residence at Glencairn House, during a visit to Dublin. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire
 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with President Michael D Higgins and Sabina Higgins, plus their Bernese Mountain dogs Brod and Sioda. Picture by Julien Behal, PA Wire
 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with President Michael D Higgins and Sabina Higgins, plus their Bernese Mountain dogs Brod and Sioda. Picture by Julien Behal, PA Wire  Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with President Michael D Higgins and Sabina Higgins, plus their Bernese Mountain dogs Brod and Sioda. Picture by Julien Behal, PA Wire