Irish president meets Princess Royal at his official Dublin residence
The King's sister met President Higgins and his wife, Sabina, on her second visit to the president's residence.
She will later attend the official opening day of the 150th Dublin Horse Show at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS).
During the visit Anne will tour a special exhibition on the history of the show and meet representatives from Festina Lente (a Bray-based charity offering equine-assisted learning and therapy services) and the Riding for the Disabled Association Ireland.
The princess, who competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games in the equestrian three-day event, will also present rosettes to the winners in Class 20 of the Small Hunters competition.
President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina today received Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, at Áras an Uachtaráin. You can read the President's statement following the meeting at https://t.co/lPuttvJNPR pic.twitter.com/71AwucWL3w
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) August 6, 2025
British Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnston, said: '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.
'Her Royal Highness has visited Ireland on many occasions, including as patron of the Scottish Rugby Union for their biannual Six Nations games here.
'Her visit this week reflects her lifelong interest in equestrianism and charitable work.'
Queen Elizabeth II with then-Irish president Mary McAleese and the Duke of Edinburgh in Phoenix Park (PA)Anne previously visited the Aras in February 2004 during engagements where she was greeted by then-Irish president Mary McAleese.
The princess was accompanied on that private visit by the British ambassador to Ireland at the time, Stewart Eldon.
Members of the royal family have visited the president's residence on several occasions, including the historic trip by Queen Elizabeth II in May 2011.
She was the first monarch to visit the Republic, where she signed a guest book at the Aras and planted an English oak tree at the Peace Bell.
Her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, made solo visits to Aras an Uachtarain in November 1998 and again in April 2006.
During their three-day visit to the Republic in 2020, the Prince and Princess of Wales – then titled the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – had a tea party with Mr Higgins and his wife at the Aras and met one of the president's dogs, Brod.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
17 minutes ago
- Metro
I quit watching EastEnders but Zoe Slater's return will bring me back
When I rage-quit watching EastEnders in 2017, I really couldn't imagine a world where I'd be lured back. And then came the news two months ago that Michelle Ryan is returning as Zoe Slater. Lo and behold, it has me ready to recommit to the legendary British soap. EastEnders always felt like the pedigree of soaps. At its best, the acting and writing were unrivalled, and it had the ability to capture the entire nation. I'll never forget the excitement around 'Who Shot Phil?' I was knee-deep in EastEnders by then, but even people who didn't watch the show remember the moment when almost 20 million viewers discovered the culprit was Lisa. The only other event that could unite the nation like that was a World Cup final and we hadn't seen one of those in more than 30 years. Natalie Cassidy, Steve McFadden, Pam St. Clement, Lucy Benjamin, and Barbara Windsor were just some of the top-tier actors around this time, and they truly were some of the best of British TV. And then came a new family: The Slaters. Right at the height of the demonisation of 'chavs' and the end of the Spice Girls era, a new clan arrived in Albert Square and redefined 'girl power'. Kat, Lynne, Little Mo, and — who we believed at the time was their youngest sister — Zoe, were a tour de force unlike anything seen on any soap before. Joined by Charlie and nan 'Big' Mo, they took absolutely no prisoners, instantly became central to all the drama, and I can't think of another family in any soap since that captivated audiences so immediately. I didn't just care about the Slaters from the get-go, I loved them. Especially Zoe and Kat. Almost a year after the Slater family's arrival, Kat and Zoe were at the centre of what was easily the biggest rug-pull I'd ever seen on EastEnders by that point – the moment Zoe screeched, 'You ain't my muvva!' only for Kat to howl back, 'Yes I am!' I can't think of a scene with such extraordinary levels of absolutely sensational high camp. They don't get the credit they deserve, but there are few performances as remarkable as Jessie Wallace and Michelle Ryan's as Kat and Zoe. Their chemistry was dynamite, their shared history was painful, and the betrayal of that shock felt so real and so rich. This is especially impressive considering that, relative to other characters on EastEnders, we'd only just really got to know them. They were all survivors in their own right, and as a young gay kid, nothing got me more excited than the power of a strong woman. Zoe, especially. She was young, fun, and making mistakes I couldn't wait to make myself, with my teenage years just around the corner. Ryan was also an incredible talent — which is why Hollywood soon beckoned and she was cast as the lead in a reboot of Bionic Woman, leaving the Square in 2005. I was devastated but still I persisted. Stacey Slater has recently arrived and like every Slater before her came into her own almost immediately. Lacey Turner, for me, is the greatest EastEnders actor there's ever been and has been tried, tested and pushed to her limit more than any other. From her affair with Max to watching Bradley fall from the Queen Vic and caring for her mum Jean who was defined by he bipolar diagnosis for years, Stacey was a true Walford heroine who filled the void. But my interest waned and one storyline, in particular, devastated me. The moment I knew I was done with the show came on New Year's Day 2017. It was the day Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell were killed off — mercilessly bumped off in the two most inexplicable deaths I'd ever seen on EastEnders. They died in a hotel swimming pool. Roxy was apparently so drunk she was incapable of swimming, and Ronnie's dress was seemingly the weight of a sinking ship, so she drowned with her. As I write this now, I'm still so unreasonably angry about it. That episode tipped me over the edge. In what felt like the blink of an eye, what was once my favourite 30 minutes of the day became something I began to dread. So I stopped watching. But then I got the news that Michelle Ryan would be coming back, and suddenly I felt able to forgive and forget – put the last eight years behind me. Everything about her return has been EastEnders gold. From Kat snapping at her son Tommy 'I'm your muvva' moments before the big reveal of Zoe, to the sheer shock of it. Zoe's gone off the rails, Stacey's kept her in hiding and dragged Alfie into another mess he can't afford. Zoe's talent is causing trouble; during her brief return earlier this summer she caused plenty of it. Lying, drinking and trying to fleece her own family, Ryan slipped back into Zoe's demons like she's barely been away. The second episode with Zoe hiding in the bedroom with her mum just feet away was agonising, perfectly setting up the incoming reunion and moment we've waited 20 years for. Zoe's got a secret, revealing she's done something 'so bad' her family will never forgive her. The possibilities are endless but it's going to be colossal. I can feel it. More Trending Just a few weeks ago, I couldn't have imagined watching EastEnders again. Now, I can't imagine missing a single second of Wallace and Ryan together on screen. This is the most exciting — and unlikely — reunion since Take That, and I am not going to miss a moment of it. It's been a long time since I truly invested in EastEnders. Thankfully, I still recognise most of the main cast, even if I have no idea what they've been up to for the best part of a decade. View More » Like Zoe, I've got a lot of catching up to do. But with the promise that Michelle Ryan is back for the foreseeable future, I'm ready to dive straight back in with full commitment. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: Destination X has made a big mistake that could cost its success MORE: The 'Land of the free' just became land of the $15,000 fee MORE: EastEnders fans 'work out' twist after major fan theory is seemingly ruled out
ITV News
17 minutes ago
- ITV News
Olympian Frazer Clarke backs Derbyshire boxing club in fight to stay open
An olympian is among those backing a campaign to raise money to rebuild an amateur boxing club in Derbyshire. Those at South Derbyshire Boxing Academy say they are facing closure, unless they can find the thousands of pounds needed for a new building. The club's current home is falling apart and, although they now have permission to build a new club, it's not a straightforward process. The new building would be on former mining land and before it is built officials want the club to pay for an inspection which involves boring into the ground. The club, which only has around 50 members, needs around £7,500 to move things forward - which it says it can't afford. The campaign for help to fund the new building is now being backed by the local MP, as well as Olympic boxer Frazer Clarke. Speaking to ITV News Central the Olympic bronze medallist said: "Places like this, they are the backbone of the sport. "For me, personally, the memories and what it did for me as a youngster growing up really did pave my way for the future. I was very lucky to represent the country at the Olympic Games but without places like this that never happens. "All the superstars you see over the TV, without places like this they are never there and these are huge celebrities that people are fans of", he added. Those at the club explained why it is so important to them Those who train at the club say it is a vital part of their lives, supporting them with both their physical and mental health. The club caters for all ages and backgrounds and one mother who trains along with her son said the closure would be a "massive loss" for her family. "This is a big part of our lives now and we really enjoy coming here", explained Iaja Bondareskeves. "Losing this place would mean we would no longer belong to this club, to this group of people with the right mindset, who have helped us both to develop physically and mentally. She added: "It's very important for young people to grow in a group of people with the right approach to live - it would be a massive loss for me and my kid as well." Samantha Niblett, the Labour MP for South Derbyshire, has joined the campaign and has given the club some hope. She said: "This club is fantastic in terms of giving people a sense of purpose and a really great way to keep fit and keep their mental health good. "I'm hugely supportive and the local council have told me they are keen to support them going forward", she added. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Mining Remediation Authority, said: 'Extensive coalfields exist across Great Britain and approximately 25% of homes and businesses are located above former coal mines. 'To keep people safe and ensure stable development, it is important to take appropriate consideration of the risks posed by coal mining features. 'We worked closely with the applicant for the proposed development to ensure the layout of the building would not be impacted by the presence of 3 mine shafts underneath the site. 'Due to the potential for the presence of unrecorded shallow mine workings, recommendations have been made to the local planning authority that intrusive site investigations are required in order to establish the exact ground conditions beneath the site. 'These site investigations should be carried out by a competent contractor and the results should be interpreted by a qualified person so that an appropriate remedial strategy can be developed if required. 'As standard practice the drilling contractor applied for a permit to undertake these ground investigations in July 2025.'
Edinburgh Reporter
17 minutes ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Edinburgh Art Festival 2025 – EAF Pavilion now open
Edinburgh Art Festival begins today, with a packed programme of commissioned works, special events and partner exhibitions. Themes of this year's festival include political shifts, environmental change and global social movements, all filtered through the painting, sculpture, performance, moving image and photography of local, national and international artists. This year the festival is based in the new EAF Pavilion hosted by Outer Spaces at 45 Leith Street. The Pavilion will be open 10am-5pm every day until 24 August, and will include a Welcome Space where you can find information about the festival, artists' research and the Festival shop. Bea Webster in who will be remembered here (c) Lewis Hetherington and CJ Mahony Several commissioned works will be shown in the Pavilion; Lewis Hetherington and CJ Mahony's who will be remembered here is a moving film in which four queer writers respond to Historic Scotland sites. Each writer employs a different language. Bea Webster's BSL contribution is especially touching, as they contemplate what might have been the experience of deaf, queer people inhabiting the land around the Machrie Moor Standing Stones long ago, and question what happened to those people's stories. Meanwhile, Trans Masc Studies: Memory is a Museum traces the history of masculine-leaning gender diversity in Scotland, Jj Fadaka and Ria Andrews' My Blood Runs Purple interrogates the subject of historically marginalised bodies and healthcare, and Alice Rekab's Let Me Show You Who I Am addresses themes of diaspora, migration and Irish and Black identity. As Edinburgh Art Festival (EAF25 opens today) Director of the festival Kim McAleese and Curator Eleanor Edmonson stand with a new billboard work created by Alice Rekab that delves into themes of diaspora, migration, and Irish and Black identity. Pic Neil Hanna Outer Spaces is a charity giving artists access to free studio space in empty office buildings across Scotland. 45 Leith Street is just one of their projects, with about 100 artists working in the building. This year the charity and EAF are together presenting HOST, a new artist residency giving early-career artists studio space in Edinburgh for six months. Visitors are invited to explore the HOST artists' practices every Saturday during the festival. View from the terrace on the fifth floor of Outer Spaces on Leith Street Jillian Lee Adamson is a HOST resident; often sewing for ten hours a day, she employs slow stitching to make intricate, beautiful embroidery cells. The delicate appearance of her work 'belies its true strength, symbolising the incredible resilience and inner strength within us all.' (c) Jillian Lee Anderson Jillian's studio has a spectacular view over the city and the Forth, with doors opening onto an airy terrace. The one downside of Outer Spaces studios is that tenants may be asked to leave at any time if the landlord requires the building for its own purposes, but the charity is doing everything it can to offer tenants an alternative space. The average stay in one studio is 9 months to 3 years. Another major EAF commission takes place at the Royal Botanic Garden. Inverleith House will host Linder's Danger Came Smiling, her first retrospective in Scotland, while on the evening of 7 August this pioneering feminist artist will perform A kind of glamour about me, reflecting on the transformative power of creativity to shape identity and social mobility. Seminal feminist artist and icon, Linder Sterling live pastes a new, large scale art work onto billboards to mark the launch of Edinburgh Art Festival (EAF25, 7-24 Aug) and this year's programme partnership with JACK ARTS part of BUILDHOLLYWOOD Scotland. Linder is performing within the EAF25 programme on Thursday 7th August as well as having her first major Edinburgh retrospective, both of which take place at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh as part of EAF25. Pic Neil Hanna Partner galleries, venues and public buildings offer a wide spectrum of exhibitions, installations and performances, from The Scottish Gallery's Decades, a celebration of Victoria Crowe's 80th year, to the Scottish National Gallery's acclaimed Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years, Fruitmarket's Mike Nelson installation, and the UK premiere of Raven Chacon: Voiceless Masses, performed by Scottish Ensemble at St Giles' Cathedral on 9 August. Chacon's composition explores the deliberate silencing of voices within colonial and institutional frameworks, in particular the complicity of the Catholic Church in the suppression of Indigenous voices, and the abduction and abuse of Indigenous children in residential schools in the Americas. The Garden (c) Sian Davey At Stills Centre for Photography, Sian Davey's The Garden documents the artist's and her son's transformation of their Devon garden into a wildflower haven and a community space. From 8 August Blackie House Library and Museum will host Ring of Truth, in which contemporary artists and musicians respond to the enigmatic Music of the Spheres manuscripts, believed to be Coptic compositions from 5th-6th century Egypt. At Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop you can see Megan Rudden's Love in the Ecotone, exploring the relationship between sculpture and language, and Louise Gibson's Beachheads, a series of monumental sculptures crafted from discarded industrial and household materials, highlighting the excesses and wastefulness of consumer culture. Still in Leith, Customs Wharf presents Orcadian artist Brandon Logan's paintings; drawing from Orkney's environment and culture, Little Low Heavens channels a new queer take on minimal abstraction. Edinburgh Printmakers are presenting two exhibitions. Aqsa Arif's Raindrops of Raini, a multimedia installation encompassing film, textile screenprints and sculpture to probe themes of fractured identity, displacement and cultural synthesis. Hall of Hours, Robert Powell's multimedia exhibition, is inspired by mediaeval Books of Hours, inviting audiences to consider the passage of time and how humans relate to it. Artist Aqsa Arif is photographed at her exhibition Raindrops of Rani which opens at Edinburgh Printmakers on Friday 1st August and runs until 2nd November and is part of Edinburgh Art Festival. In the exhibition Arif weaves together lived memory, generational trauma and South Asian folklore into an immersive installation featuring reactive printed tapestry on velvet. Through film screenprints, photography and sculpture, the exhibition explores displacement not only as rupture but also as a site of resilience and reconnection. Pic Neil Hanna 07702 246823 The Art Festival's Civic programme involves year-round collaborations with artists, individuals and communities who find alternative ways to organise through art, providing the space for longer-term creative collaborations and aiming to make public spaces and the art world more accessible, engaging for those who have previously been excluded from them. The Community Wellbeing Collective in Wester Hailes is a socially engaged, community-led, art collective of 30+ people living in or connected to the area. On 16 August, CWC will host What We Make With What We Have, a shared meal and a discussion about ways in which communities and individuals can create possibilities in times of crisis. The Travelling Gallery will be out and about with its new group exhibition. SEEDLINGS: DIASPORIC IMAGINARIES, curated by Jelena Sofronijevic, explores ways to connect with our worlds through other-than-human perspectives, and seeks to destabilise systems that favour scientific theory and marginalise ancestral knowledge and indigenous cosmologies. Catch the gallery at Coburg Studios on 9 August, CWC in Wester Hailes on 11 August and The Ripple, Restalrig Road, on 14 August. At The People's Story Museum on the Canongate, EAF's first early career artist-in-residence Hamish Halley's installation narrates two stories; the cleaning of his grandparents' home after their deaths and the transition of Perth Museum's collection to a new space. As well as developing his practice, Hamish is working with local communities through discussions, events and workshops, inviting people to reflect on their own relationships with memory, place and transformation. Hamish will offer a tour of his work on 14 August. Sett Studios on Leith Walk will offer two unusual exhibitions. On 8-10 August FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS invites all supporters of the studio to run the space, bringing in their own work for a packed salon-style show. And from 22 to 24 August Get in Loser, We're Going to Sett Studios will feature an array of artmaking mediums, approaches and concepts from SETT studio residents. Climb up to Calton Hill to visit Collective, which will host Fire on the Mountain, Light on the Hill, Mercedes Azpilicueta's first solo exhibition in Scotland, a monumental tapestry exploring care and resistance, revealing overlooked female histories. There will be a special live performance on 22 August. Climb down again to visit Edinburgh College of Art at Inspace on Crichton Street for two exhibitions focusing on artists' responses to AI. Tipping Point features seven new works by artists including Rachel Maclean and Julie Freeman, while in Authenticity Unmasked: Unveiling AI-Driven Realities Through Art (note: this one ends on 17 August), three artists present works to prompt reflection on when authenticity matters and what shapes perceptions of human versus AI-mediated content. And if you need to get out of festival city, take a trip to Jupiter Artland in West Lothian to see their three current exhibitions, Jonathan Baldok's WYRD, Guy Oliver's Millennial Prayer and WORK BEGAT WORK, pairing the work of Ian Hamiton Finlay and Andy Goldsworthy, two artists central to Jupiter Artland's history. On the evening of 23 August, EAF's closing event will take place at Firststage Studios in Leith. Bornsick, co-commissioned with Serpentine, is a new performance by queer movement artist Lewis Walker. It will reflect the idea that we inherit illness, born into a system that shapes us before we can define ourselves. Finally, on 24 August at the EAF pavilion, the Festival's closing conversation Where Do We Stand? will include open conversation, film screenings, performance and shared food, all centered on the world we live in, how we shape it and how it shapes us in return. Some of these exhibitions and events are ticketed; many are free. For details, visit the Festival's website or pick up a programme from EAF Pavilion. Jj Fadeka in their studio at The Cube, 45 Leith St, Edinburgh. Photo credit Sally Jubb Like this: Like Related
