As it happened: Irish Presidential state visit to the United Kingdom

Key Points

  • At Windsor Castle state banquet, the Queen says: "We, the Irish and British, are becoming good and dependable neighbours and better friends."
  • Irish President Michael D Higgins toasts "valued neighbours whose friendship we truly cherish".
  • Former IRA leader Martin McGuinness among guests at banquet.
  • Earlier President Higgins told members of both Houses of Parliament: "The relationship between our two islands has achieved a closeness and warmth that once seemed unachievable."
  • This is the first state visit by an Irish head of state to the UK.
  • All times BST

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