His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, dispatched similar congratulatory messages to Catherine
According to France 24, Ireland's national broadcaster RTE said the contest had been overshadowed by criticism of its lack of competition. Early tallies suggested a record number of spoiled ballots and low voter turnout, with The Irish Times reporting participation below 40 per cent in many