President to welcome British royal

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.

Princess Anne will visit the President’s official residence, Áras an Uachtarain, in Phoenix Park before presenting a sports award during a whirlwind one-day visit to the capital.

The tour is viewed by many observers as further progress towards a possible visit by the Queen, who would be the first British Head of State to visit for 90 years.

The prospect of such an historic visit moved closer when the Queen received an invitation from Mrs McAleese during her visit to Buckingham Palace in 2002.

The Prince of Wales visited President McAleese at her official residence two years ago, while the Duke of Edinburgh, also paid a courtesy call to Áras an Uachtarain in 1998.

A source close to the President said today’s visit was another important step in improving the relationship between the two countries.

“The President has indicated that she is very happy to receive the Queen in Ireland, but it is up to the two governments to sort out the details of any visit,” she said.

“The will is there on both sides for a visit but in terms of timetables, nothing is planned.”

Anne will present the Irish Sailor of the Year award following her meeting with Mrs McAleese.

She will also present a founder member of the Meath Peace Group with an honorary MBE, before departing from Baldonnel Airfield.

Juliatta Clancy was awarded the honour in recognition of her work promoting peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland over the past 10 years.

Meanwhile, President McAleese will embark on a two day official visit to London tomorrow.