Princess Anne is back to her roots on Dublin trip

The Princess Royal has carried out a very important meeting in Dublin but managed to add in an engagement that suited her to perfection.

As well as hosting a farewell meeting with outgoing President Michael D. Higgins, the Princess headed to a very famous equestrian event in the Irish capital.

Princess Anne marks special anniversary

Ever the dedicated horsewoman, Her Royal Highness attended the 150th Dublin Horse Show at the Royal Dublin Society. 

While at the show, Princess Anne was able to meet with representatives and volunteers from several philanthropic organisations that support equine therapy, equine learning, and other riding-focused groups. 

Among them is Festina Lenté, a Bray-based charity which offers equine-assisted learning and therapy services. Princess Anne also met members of Riding for the Disabled Ireland.

In her element, the Princess Royal awarded rosettes to the winners of the Small Hunters category and met with competitors. The Dublin Horse Shows runs from 6 to 10 August at the RDS in Ballsbridge, Dublin. 

The main focus of her visit, though, was a farewell audience with the President of the Repubic of Ireland.

Important visit for the Princess Royal

Princess Anne met outgoing Irish President Michael D. Higgins and his wife, Sabina, at Áras an Uachtaráin. President Higgins has developed strong ties with the Royal Family in a 14 year tenure that has had a positive impact on relations between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

He was the first Irish President to be welcomed to the UK on a State Visit when he was hosted at Windsor Castle by Queen Elizabeth II. He has met King Charles III several times and showed a particular respect for the Prince of Wales when they met. 

Princess Anne has met with President Higgins several times, as both are dedicated rugby supporters and the teams often compete against each other in the Six Nations tournament. 

The Irish President will be completing his second term in November 2025.