Princess Anne Arrives in Dublin for High-Profile Visit with Irish President
Princess Anne has touched down in Dublin for a busy day of official engagements, starting with a formal audience with Irish President Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin. The Princess Royal, representing the UK, is expected to spend the day celebrating both diplomacy and sport.
The royal was welcomed to the presidential residence, where she met President Higgins and his wife, Sabina.
It’s a setting she knows well – her last visit to Áras an Uachtaráin was back in 2004, during Mary McAleese’s presidency, for a private engagement alongside then-ambassador Stewart Eldon.
After today’s presidential meeting, Princess Anne will head to the Royal Dublin Society for the grand opening of the 150th Dublin Horse Show. This landmark anniversary event is one of the most prestigious in the equestrian calendar, a celebration of Anglo-Irish cultural and sporting ties.
At the RDS, she will view a special exhibition dedicated to the event’s remarkable 150-year history. She is also scheduled to meet representatives from key equine welfare charities, including Festina Lente, based in Bray and known for its therapeutic, horse-based programmes, and the Riding for the Disabled Association Ireland.
The Princess’s equestrian background makes this visit a natural fit. A seasoned competitor, she represented Britain in eventing at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Later today, she will award ribbons in the Small Hunters category, Class 20, adding a personal touch to the celebrations.
Paul Johnston, Britain’s Ambassador to Ireland, highlighted the importance of the occasion: “The Princess Royal’s visit underscores the deep and enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and Ireland, and the significance of the 150th holding of the RDS Dublin Horse Show.”
This trip is far from her first to Ireland. She has been a frequent visitor over the years, often travelling in her role as patron of the Scottish Rugby Union during Six Nations fixtures. Johnston added: “Her visit this week reflects her lifelong interest in equestrianism and charitable work.”
Just weeks earlier, she was making headlines for her role in the 75th Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrations, marking another milestone in a packed royal calendar.
The presidential residence has hosted many senior royals over the decades. Queen Elizabeth II made history there in 2011 during her state visit.
Prince Philip attended on separate occasions in 1998 and 2006, while the Prince and Princess of Wales enjoyed tea with President Higgins and Sabina in 2020.
Today’s visit by Princess Anne is expected to further cement warm Anglo-Irish relations, blending diplomacy, history, and a shared passion for the horse.
