The prospect of an historic visit to Ireland by the queen of England edged closer today after Princess Anne jetted into Dublin to meet President Mary McAleese.

The British Ambassador to Ireland has rejected reports that a visit to Ireland today by Princess Anne is designed to pave the way for an eventual state visit by Queen Elizabeth II.

Britain's Princess Anne is meeting President Mary McAleese in Dublin today in a move which could pave the way for a future visit by the Queen.