In pictures: The famous faces that met Michael D Higgins' beloved dog Bród

The Bernese Mountain dog was always by the President's side, even during important meetings with foreign dignitaries 

From Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the French President, Bród was an expert at getting the attention of anyone he encountered at Áras an Uachtaráin.

President Michael D Higgins is rarely seen without his beloved Bernese Mountain dogs. His eldest canine companion, Bród has been the centre of attention during many important meetings and events at Áras an Uachtaráin.

Following the sad news of the death of Higgins' "very much loved" dog, Bród  we looked back at some of those great encounters.

From Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the French President, Bród has gotten plenty of belly rubs from well-known faces. 

Over the years, Bród has garnered the attention of everyone he encounters and is possibly one of the most photographed dogs in Ireland, having arrived at Áras when he was just a puppy. 

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament meeting the President's dog Bród at Aras an Uachtarain. Picture: Sam Boal/ RollingNews.ie

A car is submerged in flooding along the quays in Dungarvan. Photo: Damien Storan.

French President Emmanuel Macron walking through the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin with Bród and Misnaech. Picture: Maxwells

A car is submerged in flooding along the quays in Dungarvan. Photo: Damien Storan.

Ireland Women's Hockey Team Visit Aras An Uachtarain and Michael D Higgins’ dog, Bród. Picture: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

A car is submerged in flooding along the quays in Dungarvan. Photo: Damien Storan.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with President Higgins and his wife Sabina during a visit to Áras an Uachtaráin. Picture: Maxwells

A car is submerged in flooding along the quays in Dungarvan. Photo: Damien Storan.

Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife walk with President Michael D Higgins, his wife Sabina and their Bernese Mountain Dogs. Picture: Paul Faith via Getty Images

A car is submerged in flooding along the quays in Dungarvan. Photo: Damien Storan.

President Michael D Higgins, and his wife, Sabina and their dog Bród with Prince William and Kate Middleton. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

11-year-old Bród had been by Higgins' side on many occasions and is the eldest of his two dogs. Two-year-old Miscneach became a part of the family after the death of Síoda in September 2020.

In a statement over the weekend, President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina announced the sad news, stating that Bród will be missed by all at the Áras, but especially Misneach.