Irish President Catherine Connolly is expected to meet King Charles during a three-day official visit to Britain.
The visit began on Monday with engagements in London, including a stop at the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith. Speaking at the centre, President Connolly said some Irish citizens are leaving Ireland due to housing challenges.
She said migration from Ireland has long been shaped by economic pressures. “Historically, modern-day immigration was driven by economic factors,” she said. She noted that many Irish people have settled in cities such as London, Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham over time.
The President highlighted the long-standing impact of the Irish community in the United Kingdom. She said Irish people have contributed across many sectors, including healthcare, education, construction, and the arts.
“The Irish contribution to British society is as diverse as can be imagined,” she said. President Connolly also met participants in an Irish language class and attended cultural performances during her visit.
The Irish ambassador to Britain, Martin Fraser, will host a reception in her honour in London. She is also expected to visit the Chelsea Flower Show and the London Irish Centre in Camden.
The trip will continue on Tuesday with engagements in London before moving to Leeds on Wednesday. In Leeds, she will visit Leeds University and the Leeds Irish Centre.
She will also be briefed on the work of the Irish Health Centre and meet representatives of Irish organisations in the region. This is her first official visit to England since taking office in November.
