Prince William and Kate Middleton wish Ireland a Happy St. Patrick's Day with this thoughtful gesture
Prince William and Kate Middleton have sent St. Patrick's Day well wishes to Ireland in a surprising message


Prince William and Kate Middleton have sent their best wishes to Ireland in celebration of St Patrick’s Day, marking the occasion in a particularly special way.
- Prince William and Kate Middleton have wished Ireland a Happy St. Patrick's Day with a touching gesture.
- The Duke and Duchess of Sussex completed a tour of Ireland last year, just weeks before the pandemic began.
- In other royal news, Prince Charles has spoken to Prince Philip ‘several times’ and is ‘thrilled’ his father is home from hospital.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a surprise appearance in a short film to commemorate Ireland’s national holiday, in which they paid tribute to their neighboring country in its native language.
Prince William opened the message with 'Beannachtai na Feile Padraig oraibh,' the Irish way of saying ‘Happy St. Patrick’s Day.”
It directly translates to ‘St. Patrick’s Day Blessings’ and is pronounced “Ban-ukh-tee nah Fay-leh Paw-drig ur-iv.” The duke seemed slightly nervous during his delivery of the unfamiliar phrase, but managed to pull it off without any glitches.
We have a saying in the Irish language: 'Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine'Meaning we live in each other's shadows. It speaks to the interdependence of our world Thank you to friends around the🌍 for these special #StPatricksDay greetings #GRMA #GlobalIreland 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/XHlB7sAxkpMarch 17, 2021
Kate then joined in, offering the English equivalent for non-Irish speakers.
"We're delighted to wish you all a very Happy St Patrick's Day,” she said.
“How come you got that easy bit?” Prince William joked in response to her seamless line.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
The couple was styled accordingly for the day, with Kate wearing an emerald green jacket and William dressed in a forest green sweater. The duchess also accented her outfit with a shamrock necklace designed by Daniella Draper.
They shared their memories of their tour around Ireland in March of last year, which included a visit to the Guinness Storehouse as well as the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin.
"We were so thrilled to be able to visit Ireland just over a year ago, a few short weeks before all of our lives were turned upside down by the pandemic," William said.
Prince William and Kate Middleton on their tour of Ireland in March 2020
"The warm welcome that we received everywhere was a testament to the friendship between our two countries and the strength of the relationship between the UK and Ireland," Kate recalled. Relations between the two nations have changed drastically in recent decades, with the Queen's visit to Ireland in 2011 marking a historic shift towards a more amicable dynamic.
"We know that for Irish people all around the world today won't be the same as normal, but we hope that you can celebrate safely in any case," William said, in reference to the cancellation of the widespread festivities that normally take place on St. Patrick's Day in Ireland and the rest of the world.
"Happy St Patrick's Day," the couple said in unison before signing off.

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.
Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.
-
Duchess Sophie’s favourite everyday espadrilles are a comfy but chic alternative to trainers that look elegant with a midi dress
The Duchess of Edinburgh brought out her TOMS flatform espadrilles at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and they caught my eye.
-
It's official, cargo pants are back, and Katie Holmes just showcased the easiest and most stylish way to make this nostalgic trouser trend work for 2025
A staple of 90s style, Katie Holmes just gave this relaxed trouser cut a sophisticated makeover that makes it ever so elegant
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William's 'unusual' parenting decision that follows 'Middleton model'
The Prince and Princess of Wales' "unusual and enlightened" parenting decision set them apart from the likes of Diana and even the late Queen Elizabeth
-
Prince William’s candid comment about the ‘very worst pain’ he’s ever experienced was so poignant
Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week, the Prince of Wales has opened up about the impacts of grief and 'long-term health and wellbeing'
-
King Charles made his feelings clear on one of Kate Middleton's favorite hobbies - and he's not a fan
Kate Middleton's favorite hobby is one her father-in-law isn't a fan of and King Charles took up something else after finding it 'impossible'
-
This gorgeous high street floral dress instantly reminded me of one of Kate Middleton’s most special outfits from last year
The Princess of Wales wore her beautiful blue and white Veronica Beard dress in several moving posts shared in 2024.
-
The adorable baby name Kate Middleton 'set her heart' on but never used revealed - and it has a special link to Queen Elizabeth
Kate Middleton reportedly loved an adorable baby name she never ended up using for her children's first names
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton shared a tender gesture you might’ve missed at the VE Day concert
The Prince and Princess of Wales delighted royal fans with their 'low key' display of affection that we might well see more of this year
-
Kate Middleton’s tailored outfit ticks all the boxes for her signature style - but I didn’t see the olive green colour coming
She still loves a midi dress, but if I had to think of one outfit that sums up the Princess of Wales’s style now it has to be a suit.
-
Kate Middleton credited by brother James for showing 'it’s OK to not be OK' as he opens up on 'unconditional support' in hours of need
James Middleton has reflected on how important it truly is to just be there for someone and that it should be 'on their terms'.