PRINCE HARRY and Meghan Markle were all smiles as they met with President Michael D. Higgins in Dublin this morning - and the Duke of Sussex couldn't help but comment on England's World Cup chances.
The royal couple visited Áras An Uachtaráin on day two of their first overseas trip together this morning after attending a garden party at the residence of the British Ambassador last night.
While there, they met with President Higgins and his wife Sabina - but the newlyweds also got to spend time with a couple of furrier members of the Presidential family.
Ireland's 'First Pets', Bernese Mountain Dogs Síoda and Bród, gave the Duchess of Sussex a friendly sniff as the group posed for photographers and journalists outside the Georgian mansion.
In the wake of England's recent World Cup successes, an Irish journalist asked Prince Harry if football was coming home and he replied: "Most definitely, yes!"
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex ring the Peace Bell at Áras an Uachtaráin, designed to mark the 10th anniversary of the Belfast Agreement #RoyalVisitIreland pic.twitter.com/n1N1YXJlmD
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 11, 2018
Yesterday, the 33-year-old refused to be pushed on the Three Lions' chances in Russia when Ireland rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll quizzed him over tonight's semi-final against Croatia.
O'Driscoll explained: "I asked him, 'so, is football coming home?' - but he refused to say it.
"He isn't as confident as everyone else about England winning tomorrow ... he doesn't want to jinx it."
President Higgins has met Harry on a number of occasions through the years, most recently in 2016 - but it marks the first occasion he has met Ms Markle.
The Prince sported a crisp navy suit with an azure tie to represent Ireland's Presidential colours, while the fashion-conscious Duchess wore a grey Roland Mouret taupe dress and a pair of black heels.
Later today, the royal couple will visit the Book of Kells at Trinity College, Croke Park and the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum - where Ms Markle will learn about a number of her Irish ancestors.
They will also meet with young coders at Dogpatch Labs in Custom House Quay - as part of Ms Markle's push to encourage more young women and girls to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Economics & Mathematics) subjects.
Harry and Meghan also got to meet the “First Dogs” of Ireland, Shadow and Brod.
Shadow is a rescue dog who was left homeless by his previous owners in 2012. Irish presidents have had Burmese mountain dogs for over 19 years🐶 pic.twitter.com/hxRSuPDhK6— Omid Scobie (@scobie) July 11, 2018
