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William and Kate begin an historic tour of Ireland \u2013 their first official visit to the Emerald Isle.<\/p>\nWilliam and Kate begin an historic tour of Ireland \u2013 their first official visit to the Emerald Isle.<\/p>\n
The Royals will celebrate the UK\u2019s ties with one of its closest EU neighbors, learning about its culture and initiatives to protect the environment.<\/p>\n
The Cambridges\u2019 trip, which unusually was announced in advance, is likely to be seen as a diplomacy visit in the wake of Brexit.<\/p>\n
During the three-day trip the couple will meet President Michael D Higgins, political leaders and spend time in Dublin, and counties Meath, Kildare and Galway.<\/p>\n
The visit will highlight the strong links between the UK and Ireland, and the couple\u2019s program will take in community initiatives and spectacular scenery, said the palace in a statement.<\/p>\n
The statement added: \u201cFollowing Her Majesty the Queen\u2019s historic visit in 2011, the visit will also focus on the relationship between the two countries, and build on the theme of remembrance and reconciliation.\u201d<\/p>\n
It also said: \u201cThe UK\u2019s links with Ireland are extensive, and the duke and duchess are looking forward to building a lasting friendship with the Irish people.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Queen\u2019s historic visit to the Republic of Ireland was made amid unprecedented security, as she became the first British monarch to travel there in 100 years and the first since the nation gained independence from Britain.<\/p>\n
She bowed her head in Dublin\u2019s Garden of Remembrance to pay tribute to the rebels who rose up against British rule in 1916, spoke Irish in an address to a state banquet and visited Croke Park Stadium, where British forces shot dead 14 spectators at a Gaelic football match in 1920.<\/p>\n
The statement added: \u201cDuring the three-day tour, the duke and duchess will learn about local organisations working to support and empower young people and projects which provide opportunities to help them develop important life skills.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir Royal Highnesses will also hear more about Ireland\u2019s conservation initiatives and efforts to protect its environment, with a particular focus on sustainable farming and marine conservation.<\/p>\n
\u201c2020 will see Galway host the European Capital of Culture on behalf of Ireland, a showcase of events highlighting the richness and diversity of Irish culture, art and sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring their time in Galway, the duke and duchess will have the opportunity to experience a taste of modern and traditional Irish culture for themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n