Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, 38, and Prince William, 37, are on their first-ever official visit to Ireland and appear to be sticking to royal usual etiquette despite growing coronavirus fears. Both William and Kate shook hands with Ireland’s President Michael D Higgins who welcomed them in Dublin on Tuesday.

While the move may have shocked royal watchers the Cambridges are in Ireland to promote its ties with the UK and handshakes form a symbolic part of that.

The couple are following in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II who became the first British monarch to visit Ireland in 100 years in 2011.

The milestone trip marked a new era for Ireland and the United Kingdom’s relationship.

While the Queen, 93, went to lengths to protect herself from coronavirus and wore white gloves at an investiture ceremony yesterday, it seems Prince William and Kate are less concerned.

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The couple are in their thirties and are less vulnerable to the illness than the Queen and other older Royal Family members.

Royal etiquette dedicates members of the family should greet officials and members of the public by shaking hands.

As the Cambridge’s Ireland trip is to promote “reconciliation and remembrance” it seems unlikely they will cease to shake hands during the tour.

Grant Harrold, royal expert and director of the Royal School of Etiquette revealed their is a certain art to the royal handshake.

He told Insider.com: “A royal handshake should consist of two-to-three pumps, with your palms open and thumbs down.” explained Harrold.

He added: “If you are a member of the public meeting a member of the royal family, you should never offer your hand to shake — wait for them to initiate the handshake.”

He explained: “As well as an etiquette rule, it poses a major security risk if someone is able to get so close that they are able to touch members of the Royal Family.”

An official Kensington Palace statement outlined the reasons for Kate and Will’s Ireland tour.

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The statement read: “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will undertake an official visit to Ireland between Tuesday 3rd March and Thursday 5th March, at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

“The visit, which will see Their Royal Highnesses spend time in Dublin, County Meath, County Kildare and Galway, will highlight the many strong links between the UK and Ireland.”

“From its thriving cities to rural communities, the programme will take in Ireland’s rich culture, its impactful community initiatives and spectacular scenery.

“Following Her Majesty The Queen’s 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.”

Ireland tour schedule – Day 2

On Wednesday Kate and Wills will spend time in Dublin, County Meath and County Kildare.

1) Visit to mental health charity Jigsaw, Jigsaw Temple Bar

2) Visit to Extern Charity, Savannah House, County Meath

3) Visit to Research Farm, County Meath

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