The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge completed a three-day tour of Ireland this week, making it their first official visit to the country. Prince William and Kate followed in the footsteps of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, who made a historic trip in 2011. Her Majesty was the first British monarch to visit the area that is now the Republic of Ireland since the 1911 tour by Elizabeth's grandfather, King George V, when it was still part of the UK.
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The Queen's visit was deemed a success, as she carried out engagements in areas of significance, including the Garden of Remembrance, Croke Park and touched upon past troubles as she delivered a powerful speech at a state dinner.
William and Kate's tour has also been widely praised and ahead of their visit, they said they want to "build a lasting friendship with the Irish people". HELLO! takes a look at the ways the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge followed in the Queen's footsteps in Ireland…
Diplomatic dressing
© Photo: Getty ImagesEvery detail is thought of on a tour, right down to the royals' outfitz. The Queen and the Duchess of Cambridge both arrived in Ireland sporting green dresses, paying homage to the country's flag and national colour. There were other nods to the country elsewhere on their visits, with Her Majesty donning a white dress decorated with hand-sewn shamrocks to a state dinner, while Kate debuted a shamrock necklace and earring set.
MORE: How Prince William and Kate Middleton made history on their royal tour of Ireland
Paying tribute at the Garden of Remembrance
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Queen and the Cambridges both visited the Garden of Remembrance during their tours, to pay their respects to those who died fighting for Irish independence from Britain. William and Kate stood in the same spot as the monarch did in 2011, as they took part in a wreath-laying ceremony, bowing their heads in a moment of reflection. They signed the wreath with a message that read: "May we never forget the lessons of history as we continue to build a brighter future together.”
Powerful speeches
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duke of Cambridge echoed his grandmother's words, when he urged the UK and Ireland to "work together" to ensure the relationship remains strong post Brexit. Prince William also highlighted the royal family’s commitment to strengthening the bond. He said: "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."
The Queen opened her historic speech in 2011 in Irish. "A Uachtarain agus a chairde (President and friends)," she said, adding: "It is a sad and regrettable reality that through history our islands have experienced more than their fair share of heartache, turbulence and loss. These events have touched us all, many of us personally, and are a painful legacy. We can never forget those who have died or been injured, and their families.
To all those who have suffered as a consequence of our troubled past I extend my sincere thoughts and deep sympathy."
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A pint of the black stuff
© Photo: Getty ImagesWell…almost for the Queen, who politely declined a pint of Guinness as she and Prince Philip visited the Storehouse in Dublin. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were handed the famous Irish stout at a reception, although William later told one local during a walk along Howth Cliff that he hadn't managed to finish a drink yet: "I’ve had two sips so far. Every time [I’m about to] have a third it gets taken away from me! I’ll finish a pint by the time I leave."
Trying Irish traditions
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Queen and Prince Philip took a trip to the famous Croke Park stadium in Dublin, the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). The couple were presented with their very own hurley at the end of their visit in 2011, but the Cambridges got to try out the traditional Irish sport for themselves in Galway.
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