Royal protocols relaxed as presidential dogs make their presence felt

It was meant to be Harry and Meghan’s moment but their spotlight was very nearly stolen by another audacious couple.

Bród and Síoda, President Michael D Higgins’ loyal dogs, couldn’t resist bounding across the lawns to meet the royal couple and lick, rather than press, the flesh.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex happily went along with the impromptu addition to their brief schedule at Áras an Uachtaráin, Harry swiftly extending the hand of friendship to be sniffed and drooled over while Meghan, after initially taking stock of the Bernese mountain dogs who are mountain by both name and stature, also eagerly joined in with the ear stroking and chin tickling.