18/11/2013

President Higgins To Visit UK

President Michael D. Higgins has accepted an invitation from Britain's Queen Elizabeth to visit the UK next year.

The President will tour the UK from 8-10 April next year, accompanied by his wife, Sabina.

He will become the first Irish President to make an official visit to the UK.

Details of the programme are to be announced jointly by Áras an Uachtaráin and Buckingham Palace.

The announcement follows the Queen's visit to Ireland in May 2011.

While President Higgins has met members of the royal family on a number of occasions, including in June last year at Belfast's Lyric Theatre, as well as visiting London, Manchester, Liverpool and the Iona in Scotland, none of these were official visits.

(IT/CD)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

08 April 2014
President Higgins Begins State Visit To UK
President Michael D Higgins has started his first official State visit to the UK. The President and his wife arrived in London on Monday evening.
26 March 2014
President Higgins To Make First State Visit To UK
President Michael D Higgins will lead the first state visit by an Irish Head of State to the United Kingdom next month. The President will be accompanied by Sabina Higgins as he visits the UK between 08 – 11 April, both going to Windsor Castle as guests of Queen Elizabeth.
09 February 2012
President Higgins To Visit London
President Michael D Higgins is to visit London later this month on his first official trip abroad. He will begin his three day tour on 21st February where he will visit the London Irish Centre. The President will travel to the Olympic Park and meet Lord Coe, President of the Olympic Games organising committee.
24 May 2011
President Obama Arrives In The UK For State Visit
Following a historic “home-coming” in Ireland, U.S President Barack Obama has now arrived in the UK. The U.S. President and the First Lady arrived in the UK one day ahead of schedule to avoid disruption from a volcanic ash cloud.
31 October 2014
Michael D. Higgins Begins Africa Visit
Michael D. Higgins is to depart tomorrow, 1 November, on an official three-county visit to Africa.