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Friday, April 8, 2011

Princely Visit to Ireland

The three-day state visit of HSH Prince Albert II and Princess-to-be Charlene Wittstock to the Republic of Ireland  was a resounding success. The Guard of Honor was drawn up, school children sang and waved Irish and Monegasque flags. The visit was timed for the 50th anniversary of the triumphal tour of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III to the Emerald Isle. Upon arriving the Sovereign Prince and Charlene visited the National Museum and the Shelbourne Hotel where there is a suite named in honor of Princess Grace. During their tour the Princely couple visited Dublin, Galway and Newport in County Mayo where the Kelly family originated. The Irish were very enthusiastic and friendly in welcoming the Princely couple who were all smiles during the trip.
The Sovereign Prince and Charlene accept flowers from young well-wishers

Mr. McAleese, President of Ireland Mary McAleese, Prince Albert II and Charlene at their formal welcome

The Sovereign Prince inspects an Irish guard of honor

At a formal evening dinner Charlene turned heads. Her fashion choices throughout the visit recieved positive reviews from the critics all around.

The President and the Sovereign Prince on the red carpet

The "green" Prince planted a tree to mark the occasion of this visit and the 50th anniversary of the visit of Princess Grace, the first Irish-American Princess of Monaco

HSH Prince Albert II (with Monegasque and Irish army officers) was welcomed by the Irish artillery at McKee Barracks firing a 21-gun salute. The formalities and ceremony were all correct but it still seemed a very warm and friendly for a state visit, even if it was a little damp at times.

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