THE British royal family will not be invited to attend Easter Rising centenary commemorations in Ireland next year.
It was initially expected that a member of the Royal family would be involved in marking 100 years since the rebellion by Irish republicans in Dublin.
But Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs today confirmed to The Irish Post that high level international representatives would not attend centenary events next year.
“The events in the Ireland 2016 State ceremonial programme will be moments for national commemoration," the spokeswoman said.
“Therefore high level representatives of Ireland’s international partners will not be in attendance at these Easter events although, as is normal for many State Ceremonial events, members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Ireland may be invited.”
A spokesperson for the British Foreign Office confirmed that planning for the centenary was a matter for the Irish Government.
But added that the royal family would continue to support the Irish Government when it comes to important milestones in Britain and Ireland's history.
“Her Majesty’s Government is committed to working closely with the Irish Government during the decade of centenaries marking the events of 1912 – 1922 to promote a greater understanding of our shared history, and to do so in a spirit of historical accuracy, mutual respect, inclusiveness and reconciliation," a spokesperson said.
“The positive dialogue that exists between the UK and Irish Governments on all aspects of the decade of centenaries will continue as specific plans for centenaries take shape.”
The statements were provided in response to a report published yesterday in the Irish Independent, stating that ambassadors based in Ireland will be the highest level of foreign dignitaries present at 1916 centenary commemorations.
The newspaper obtained details of an email exchange between British Ambassador to Ireland Dominick Chilcott and the Irish Government under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI).
An official from Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs had written to Mr Chilcott in March, outlining the Irish Government’s confirmed position regarding high-level guests to the centenary events.
A series of international events are also being planned for next year's centenary.
