Meghan and Harry’s day culminated in a garden party at Glencairn House, the residence of the British ambassador to Ireland in Dublin.
Arriving:
The weather looked good for a garden party, according to a British Embassy tweet.
There were 300 guests in attendance at the party and among them are Brian O’Driscoll and Amy Huberman, Olympic sailor Annalise Murphy, jockey Ruby Walsh, designers Emma Manley and Helen Steele and director Nora Twomey.
Meghan chatting with the guests:
Meghan and Harry met people from across Ireland’s political, sports, arts, social enterprise & military sectors
Also in attendance were Vicky Phelan, one of the women affected by the cervical cancer controversy. Vicky said she was “gobsmacked” when Meghan told her she had heard of her story. Speaking after meeting the Duchess she said: “She said: ‘I have been following your story; you have been doing some great stuff’.”
The guestlist also included Irish writer, academic and broadcaster Sinéad Burke who spoke with Meghan about the importance and power of fashion. Sinéad Burke said that “Meghan was ‘extraordinary kind’ and spoke with ‘such generosity’ about the importance of her work, which she said had helped ‘instill confidence’ in her” during their phone call for the BV
Sinéad shared an Instagram post after the meeting:
Meghan and Harry then made their way to the stage, were Harry made a speech speaking about the bond between the UK and Ireland as neighbouring countries and made a toast to the people of Ireland, even throwing in a little Gaeilge!
His speech:
“Good evening.
Thank you for the warm welcome we’ve received since being in this beautiful country. Meghan and I are delighted to be here in Dublin and in the beautiful gardens of Glencairn.
And to the Tánaiste, a special thank you. As some of you may know, he showed my father around his home city of Cork just a couple of weeks ago, so we’re very grateful to you for joining us here this evening as well.
My father was telling us last week how much he had enjoyed his recent visit; but said that each of his visits, over the years, holds a special place in his memory. My grandmother, The Queen, also spoke of her own visit in 2011 and the fantastic welcome that she too received.
Standing here with you on this beautiful evening, it is easy to see why Ireland has such a special place in the hearts of my family and indeed,
all those who come here.
We’re so pleased to be here, for our first official international visit together as a married couple, and we hope it will be the first of many!
As each other’s closest neighbours, the UK and Ireland’s relationship is unique; our shared history is long and complex. There have of course been challenging, and at times tragic, periods of that relationship.
Tomorrow we hope to have the opportunity to reflect on some of those difficult passages in our history when we visit Croke Park and the Famine Memorial.
On this visit we will also celebrate just how much unites us. This is a very special relationship between two proud, sovereign countries. We share common values; culture, business links, family ties, and possibly a similar sense of humour. Our relationship is of course informed by our history, but it is also one which is now dynamic and forward looking.
This evening we are extremely fortunate to be joined by many of those who are shaping the future of Ireland. You embody the energy which characterises this amazing country and are leaders in your respective fields: social entrepreneurs harnessing technology to design creative solutions to some of society’s most pressing problems; world renowned athletes; award winning actors; and men and women of the defence force who are marking 60 years of service to global peacekeeping missions.
I have the greatest confidence that the friendship, collaboration and mutual understanding that our two countries have built up over the years will endure and it will grow.
I will finish by drawing on the words of President Higgins during his extraordinarily successful visit to the UK in 2014, which we still remember with admiration. He quoted the traditional Irish saying: ‘Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine’ – “we live in each other’s shadows” – we shield each other, and rely on each other for shelter.
That sentiment is as apt now as it was then, as we draw strength from one another as neighbours, partners, and above all friends.
I would like to toast The President of Ireland and the people of Ireland.
Sláinte!”
Time for a toats:
I think I’ve been using the same expression in all my blogposts lately – but Meghan really stunned that day. This is – so far – my all-time favourite look of hers. Her dress was a bespoke, sleeveless, Emilia Wickstead dress. The stylish dress featured a wide belt that nipped her in at the waist and came to just above her ankles.
It surprised a lot of people when Meghan chose to wear a dress from the designer, who reportedly criticised Meghan’s Givenchy wedding dress and made headlines after the royal wedding when the Daily Mail reported Emilia’s slightly critical comments.
A refresh from Express.co.uk:
“According to the Daily Mail, the 34-year-old designer allegedly said: “Her dress is identical to one of our dresses. Apparently a lot of commentators were saying, ‘It’s an Emilia Wickstead dress.'”
After her supposed comments, Emilia took to her own Instagram page to help smooth the situation, posting:
“I am extremely saddened by commentary that has appeared in the press and online over the past few days.
“Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Sussex looked absolutely beautiful on her wedding day and I have the utmost admiration and respect for her.”
“I do not think that her wedding dress was a copy of any of our designs.”
She also added:
“I have the greatest respect for Clare Waight Keller and the House of Givenchy, a huge source of inspiration to me.””
Showing her love to her wedding dress designer yet again, Meghan also wore the Givenchy Black Satin Clutch.
And her Aquazzura Deneuve Pumps
She completed her stunning look with the Birks Muse Citrine and Diamond Drop earrings.
Meghan’s outfits of the day:
Which one is your favourite?
To read the blogposts covering the day, click here for my blogpost covering the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Royal AirForce. Click here for my about Meghan and Harry’s arrival in Dublin.
Beautiful