Duke of York visits President, Taoiseach - and Tesco

Dublin supermarket shoppers got more than they bargained for today when the Duke of York swept through the store today.

Security was tight at Tesco Clare Hall as Prince Andrew was ushered down the aisles.

Around 50 startled shoppers tried to snap pictures on mobile phones as Andrew, the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, visited Dublin to highlight trade links between Ireland and the UK.

He met Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Government Buildings and signed the visitors book at Áras an Uachtarain where he met President Mary McAleese. The President has previously extended an invitation to the Queen to visit Ireland.

One surprised shopper at the north Dublin shopping centre bumped right into the Duke as she stepped off an escalator.

"I didn't even know he was here today. It was quite a surprise," said Margaret Bartley, of Clare Hall.

"He is absolutely gorgeous, very well turned out," she added.

Patricia Rogan, of Grangemore, had already left the store and returned to pick something up she had left at the till when she saw the Duke.

"It's not everyday you shop with royalty," she said. "He seems very nice. I always thought he looked like his mother but he is actually very like his father."

"I think he's great," added Eileen Malone, from Clare Hall.

Before the sweeping tour of the supermarket, the Duke met staff and management.

He also had lunch with the Minister of State for Trade and Commerce Michael Ahern, unveiled a plaque at Airtricity in Ravenscourt Office Park, Sandyford and met the Governor of the Central Bank, John Hurley.