The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to begin their first overseas visit as newlyweds in Dublin.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will arrive this evening for a two-day trip in the capital, where they will visit a number of historical and tourist sites and meet with Irish leaders and the public.
“They are looking forward to learning more about Ireland’s history and experiencing its rich culture, as well as meeting the people who are shaping the country’s future,” said Kensington Palace.
This is the couple’s first foreign trip since their wedding in May. A packed itinerary is planned for the newlyweds to meet the people of Dublin and visit organisations which are central to Irish life.
On Tuesday, they will attend a summer garden party at the British Ambassador’s residence, where they will meet people from across Ireland’s arts, sports, military and social enterprise sectors.
They will also spend time with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at Merrion Street.
Wednesday’s tour will begin at Aras an Uachtarain with President Michael D Higgins.
Next stop is Trinity College, where they will see the Book of Kells, ‘one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures’.
The Duke and Duchess will also have a moment for reflection at the Famine Memorial, before visiting EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum, telling the story of the 10 million Irish people who have emigrated across the world.
A visit to DogPatch Labs co-working space is on the itinerary for the Royal Highnesses to learn more about the bright future of Ireland. There, Prince Harry and Meghan will meet children and young people taking part in free coding workshops, and will also have the opportunity to talk to female tech entrepreneurs.
This visit to Ireland is ‘at the request of Her Majesty’s Government’, said Kensington Palace.
Failte Ireland is looking forward to the event as exposure for Dublin’s visitor attractions.
Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland said: “With so much media attention on the trip, all eyes will be on Ireland this week, giving us amazing exposure abroad and highlighting our rich and diverse tourism industry and excellent visitor experiences to an international audience.”