President Catherine Connolly invites Britain’s King Charles III to Ireland for State visit
President Catherine Connolly during an audience with Britain's King Charles. Picture: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire
President Catherine Connolly has invited Britain’s King Charles III for a State visit in Ireland while on her three-day trip to the United Kingdom.
Speaking in London on Monday, she confirmed that he had accepted her invitation.
President Connolly met the monarch in Buckingham Palace on Monday afternoon for a meeting that was expected to last up to 40 minutes.
It is the first time the pair have met since Ms Connolly became President in November. It is her second official overseas visit.
Read More
Speaking to reporters following their meeting, Ms Connolly said she had an hour-long meeting with King Charles, and that he accepted her invitation.
She said it was a "very positive" meeting, and it "was a privilege to meet with King Charles".
“I've extended an invitation to him to make a State visit to Ireland, and he gratefully accepted.”
President Connolly is in the United Kingdom as part of a three-day trip that sees her visit London and Leeds.
On Monday morning, she visited the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith, where she met members of the Irish diaspora.
Following a speech, there were several musical performances, including a rendition of Galway Bay, a homage to the President’s home county.
She told those gathered that Irish people have moved to Britain in “waves” for various reasons, including economic forces.
“Historically, of course, immigration was driven by economic factors, with large numbers leaving for London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and elsewhere,” she said.
“This occurred in waves, and we know that from the 19th century and the 20th century.
“Unfortunately, today as well, we have people leaving our shores for various reasons, some of them for lack of housing.
“The immigration that we're dealing with occurred in waves that peaked in the 50s and the 80s, when unemployment and economic stagnation in Ireland was pushing many to leave the shores for the hope of better opportunities abroad.”
She also noted that people found “greater tolerance and acceptance” in the UK “at times when Ireland was a less open and less accepted society”.
On Monday evening, she will address more members of the Irish community in London at a reception at the Irish Embassy.
Tuesday will see Ms Connolly attend the Chelsea Flower Show, followed by a visit to the Irish Centre in Camden.
She will travel to Leeds in northern England on Wednesday for engagements at Leeds University and the Leeds Irish Centre. She will be briefed on the work of the Irish Health Centre there and will also meet with many representatives of other Irish Centres in the region.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
