06-08-2025
President Higgins meets Princess Anne at Áras
President Michael D Higgins has met with the UK's Princess Anne at Áras an Uachtaráin during a courtesy call by the British royal.
Princess Anne is in Dublin to attend the opening day of the 150th Dublin Horse Show at the RDS.
The President acknowledged Princess Anne's contribution to equestrian sports over the years as well as to related learning and therapy services.
"It was a pleasure to renew my conversations with Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, and to recognise the significant contribution which she has made over so many years to the relationship between our two countries," President Higgins said in a statement.
He also extended his best wishes to King Charles and acknowledged his "unwavering support for peace and reconciliation".
The British Embassy said the meeting served as a moment to acknowledge President Higgins's "long-standing contribution to Irish public life and the strength and value of the relationship between the two countries".
British Ambassador to Ireland Paul Johnston said Princess Anne'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".
During her visit, Princess Anne will also tour a special exhibition of the history of the Dublin Horse Show and meet representatives from Festina Lenté, a Bray-based charity offering equine-assisted learning and therapy services, and the Riding for the Disabled Association Ireland.
Princess Anne has visited Ireland on many occasions in the past including as patron of the Scottish Rugby Union during Six Nations matches.
