Prince William delivered his only scheduled speech on Wednesday evening in Dublin during his first-ever official visit to Ireland with his wife, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge.
Prince William said during a speech in Dublin on March 4 that Ireland and the UK must continue to “work together” moving forward.
Read More: Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive in Ireland for three-day visit
The Duke of Cambridge made the remarks, his only official speech scheduled for the royal visit, at the Museum of Literature in Dublin City as part of an event hosted by Tánaiste Simon Coveney.
“I very much welcome this visit by the Duke and Duchess, their first to Ireland, and hope this will be the first of many visits in the coming years”
Tánaiste @simoncoveney welcomes the Royal couple at a reception in the Museum of Literature#RoyalVisitIreland pic.twitter.com/IB3Zd7zz6R
— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) March 4, 2020
In his speech, the future King of England said: “It goes without saying that the relationship between the UK and Ireland is of vital importance, and that is why I am so pleased that Catherine and I are undertaking our first official visit here.
“Growing up, I remember seeing the Troubles that took place, which affected so many people across the UK and Ireland.
“This explains why one of the truly profound moments for Catherine and me took place yesterday at the Garden of Remembrance. It was a reminder of the complexity of our shared history, and that as my grandmother said during her visit in 2011, 'Our islands have experienced more than their fair share of heartache and turbulence.'
William and Kate at the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin on March 3, 2020. (RollingNews.ie)
“But it was also a reminder about how far we have come. It is right that we continue to remember those who suffered as a consequence of our troubled past And whilst many wrongs have been done, it is important that we are not bound by these.
“Today, our relationship goes far beyond two countries that are simply neighbours. ‘We are firm friends and equal partners,’ as my grandmother put it. The links between our people, businesses and our culture are inextricable, and we should all be proud to see how strong those bonds are.
Queen Elizabeth with then-President Mary McAleese at the Irish War memorial Garden in Dublin in May 2011. (RollingNews.ie)
“As we look ahead to some changes in our relationship, we must never forget how far we have come together in recent decades in transforming the relationships across our two islands.
"Many people deserve our deepest gratitude for their hard work, imagination and, above all, courage in bringing about these profound changes. It is vital that people of my generation, and generations to come, never take for granted the progress we have made together. We must recommit ourselves to the path of friendship and understanding.
“Of course, 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.
Read More: William and Kate conclude first day of official Irish visit
"Over the past two days, Catherine and I have seen for ourselves why Ireland is a country looked upon with such envy.
“As we stood on the cliffs at Howth and looked across the Irish Sea – a mere 50 miles to the British coastline – it was easy to see why so many people find the lure of this beautiful country so difficult to resist.
“And beyond the breath-taking landscapes, we have received such wonderful hospitality and friendship from all those we have met.
“And this morning we were privileged to meet a group of remarkable people who are working to improve the lives of those who are less fortunate. Their commitment and their desire to help is truly inspirational.
“And we’re looking forward to seeing the wonders that the West coast has to offer when we travel there tomorrow.
“Ladies and gentlemen, legal treaties are vital in underpinning the relationships between states. But relationships between people are equally, if not more, essential – especially between the people of our two countries, whose lives, histories and futures are so deeply intertwined. I am confident that friendship, understanding and a shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous future will ensure that the unique and precious bond between our people is not broken. My family is determined to continue playing our part in protecting, preserving and strengthening that bond.
“So tonight, we celebrate our commitment to working together – a commitment that I firmly believe will support our relationship in going from strength to strength.”
Prince William concluded his speech by raising a toast to the President of Ireland, as well as, “Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir,” thank you very much in Irish.
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The remarks came during the second day of the first-ever official visit to Ireland made by Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. The visit is meant to strengthen the bonds between the UK and Ireland and comes just under a decade after Queen Elizabeth became the first British monarch to make an official visit to the Republic in a century.
Earlier in the day on Wednesday, the royal couple toured Jigsaw, a mental health service for young people in Dublin, the Extern Charity’s family respite center Savannah House in Co Kildare, as well as a research farm in Co Meath associated with Teagasc, Ireland’s Agricultural and Food Development Authority.
The couple even got the chance to soak up some Irish sunshine during a picturesque cliff walk in the seaside village of Howth on the outskirts of Dublin.
Back in Co. Dublin, The Duke and Duchess visited incredibly scenic Howth this sunny afternoon, taking in sweeping views of the Irish coastline on the famous cliff walk☀️ #RoyalVisitIreland pic.twitter.com/aSGCL7DtBD
— British Embassy (@BritEmbDublin) March 4, 2020
The royal couple will travel to Galway on Thursday, March 5 for the final day of their three-day Irish visit.
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