Belgian royals start state visit

The heads of the Belgian royal family begin a three-day state visit to Ireland today.

King Albert II and Queen Paola will be welcomed to the country by President Mary McAleese at a ceremony at Aras an Uachtarain.

The visit also includes meetings with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and trips to the Cliffs of Moher and Leinster House.

The president and her husband Dr Martin McAleese will also host a State Dinner at the Aras in honour of the King and Queen.

The royal couple have been invited to Leinster House to meet Cathaoirleach Senator Pat Moylan and Leas-Cheann Comhairle Brendan Howlin. The King will be met today by the Cathaoirleach in the Garden Room of Leinster House where he will be invited to sign the official visitor’s book.

Senator Moylan, expressed his delight at welcoming King Albert to Leinster House. “His visit highlights the degree of interest on both sides in strengthening ties between our legislatures,” he said.