Government backs British royals’ invite to 1916 events

The Government has defended plans to invite members of the British royal family to take part in events to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising.

About 5,000 people attended an event to mark the 98th anniversary of the rebellion yesterday, during which prayers of remembrance were held outside Dublin’s GPO and President Michael D Higgins laid a wreath to remember 450 people who lost their lives. The flag was lowered to half mast and a minute’s silence was observed at the event, also attended by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, to commemorate the Easter Rising which began on April 24, 1916.

The Proclamation of the Republic was read out by Capt Sean Coffey of the Defence Forces.