PRESIDENT Higgins is confident the Queen will become a regular visitor to Ireland following this week’s State Visit to Britain.
Speaking to The Irish Post ahead of his arrival in London today, the Irish head of State confirmed that he was expecting to see many more ‘friendly’ visits to Ireland by the Royal family in future.
“I think it’s very likely that you will see the Queen making more trips to Ireland following this visit,” Mr Higgins said, “and other members of the Royal family as well.”
The Queen has paid particular interest to the first official State Visit by an Irish President to Britain; inviting President Higgins and Wife Sabina to stay at her ‘home in Windsor’ castle, facilitating a longer-than-usual five-day itinerary for the occasion and hosting a rare second night at Windsor with a North of Ireland theme.
Such attention to the itinerary by the British Monarch has been noted by President Higgins, who said: “It’s a very good programme and it’s a very packed programme, but I believe the reason for that is very much the enthusiasm and generosity of our host and I appreciate that.”
He also believes we can now expect to see much more of the Royal family in Ireland.
“Obviously I can’t speak for them but I do know their interest in visiting Ireland is immense,” he told The Irish Post.
“And the connections they have to different aspects of Irish society range from the cultural arena right across to the equine industry,” he added.
“So I think you will see very many friendly visits to Ireland in the future and that is indeed as it should be.”
