Vogue Williams Responds Strongly to St Patrick’s Day Grand Marshal Criticism

Vogue Williams responded strongly after criticism of her role as St Patrick’s Day Grand Marshal in Dublin. The Howth native led the parade that attracted more than half a million revellers.

Response to online attacks

Williams addressed online trolls who accused her of wasting taxpayers’ money. One message claimed she “leeches off men for money and exposure.”

She pushed back and said she was not paid for the role. Williams explained she did two days of work for the festival and accepted the honour without compensation.

Comments made on a podcast

She spoke with Joanne McNally on the podcast My Therapist Ghosted Me. Williams said the St Patrick’s Day Festival is run as a charity.

She added that public criticism affects her. She said she avoids some TV appearances because of the online abuse that follows.

On-the-ground experience

Williams described the parade as exhausting and said she was in bed by 6pm. She noted the duty involved smiling and waving continuously for two hours.

She said she drank a lot of water and joked about nearly losing control. Williams remarked she could not imagine maintaining that level of performative cheer every day, like members of royalty must.

During the procession, someone in the crowd shouted for her to “take her top off.” She replied that there would be no point.

Williams made clear she took the position as an honour. She criticised the online hostility and reiterated she received no payment for serving as Grand Marshal.