Irish president Michael D Higgins has welcomed the Princess Royal to his official residence in Dublin.

Princess Anne visited Áras an Uachtaráin in what has been described as “a courtesy call”.

The King’s sister met President Higgins and his wife, Sabina, on her second visit to the president’s residence.

She is also attending the official opening day of the 150th Dublin Horse Show at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS).

During the visit Anne will tour a special exhibition on the history of the show and meet representatives from a Bray-based charity offering equine-assisted learning and therapy services, Festina Lente and the Riding for the Disabled Association Ireland.

The princess, who competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games in the equestrian three-day event, will also present rosettes to the winners in Class 20 of the Small Hunters competition.

British Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnston, said: “The Princess Royal’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.”

“Her visit this week reflects her lifelong interest in equestrianism and charitable work.”