Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on three-day visit to Ireland next week

During the three-day visit the couple will meet Ireland’s President Michael D Higgins, political leaders and spend time in Dublin, and the counties of Meath, Kildare and Galway.

The visit, from March 3-5, will highlight the strong links between the UK and Ireland, and the couple’s programme will take in Ireland’s rich culture, community initiatives and spectacular scenery, said the palace in a statement.

The statement added: “Following Her Majesty the Queen’s historic visit in 2011, the visit will also focus on the relationship between the two countries, and build on the theme of remembrance and reconciliation.”

It also said: “The UK’s links with Ireland are extensive, and the duke and duchess are looking forward to building a lasting friendship with the Irish people.”

The Cambridges’ trip, which unusually was announced in advance, is likely to be seen as a diplomacy visit in the wake of Brexit.

William and Kate are also due to meet the taoiseach, or prime minister, but it is not clear who will welcome the couple after Ireland’s top three political parties fell short of winning a majority in the recent general election.

Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein and Fine Gael finished in an almost dead heat and talks between the parties have been ongoing over the last two weeks to agree a coalition deal.

The Queen’s historic visit to the Republic was made amid unprecedented security, and she became the first British monarch to travel there in 100 years and the first since independence.