It was a state visit that changed the state of relations between Ireland and Britain for good. Here are some things we noticed along the way.

IT WAS a historic week: Michael D went to meet the Queen; Martin Mac went to meet the Queen; Tommie Gorman went to meet the Queen.

President Michael D Higgins has insisted his state visit to Britain was not intended to “force amnesia” about the country’s past treatment of Ireland.

To be, or not to be theatrical, that was the question for President Michael D Higgins as he took to the stage of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

President Michael D Higgins began an official state visit to Britain yesterday with the head of state heralding a new era of relations between the two countries.

President Michael D Higgins said he will think of his two sisters, his childhood neighbours and all the other Irish emigrants “who have come and contributed to Britain” when he is welcomed at Windsor Castle today.

Former president Mary Robinson said “the Irish story will be well told” during this week’s state visit to Britain by President Michael D Higgins, and “it will be a positive one”.

The royal carpet to be rolled out for Michael D Higgins will be an even richer red than usual as Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has taken a special interest in how the President is treated during the state visit.