President Michael D. Higgins met Prince William and Kate today as they began their three-day royal visit to Ireland.
President Higgins welcomed them to the Aras along with his wife Sabina as the royal pair signed the book of visitors before being shown around.
Also greeting William and Kate was the President's dog Brod - but a lot of people noticed that Sioda was not present.
Thankfully the Aras confirmed that Sioda was just after an operation on his paw but is not sick and should make a full recovery.
It is the couple’s first officials State visit and while greeting the Duchess, Sabina Higgins said she was “so looking forward to their visit” to Ireland.
The duchess wore an emerald green Catherine Walker coat and an Alessandra Rich dress and carried a green clutch bag.
The Royal couple then went behind closed doors to the President’s study to enjoy some afternoon tea having just stepped off an Aer Lingus commercial flight at 1.50pm.
They participated in a bilateral meeting with the ambassador of Ireland to the UK and a number of Irish officials. Their Royal Highnesses are then expected to ring the Peace Bell.
The Bell was unveiled in 2008 to mark the 10th anniversary of the peace process. Afterwards, the royal couple will take part in a wreath laying ceremony at the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin city centre this afternoon. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is also due to meet them at Government Buildings.
