Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has agreed to help Ireland mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising.
The monarch said she and her family will "stand alongside" the Irish people when they mark what was the beginning of the end of British rule and the founding of the country in two years time, suggesting a senior royal will travel to Dublin for the anniversary.
Speaking at a banquet in honour of Irish president Michael Higgins, she said: "My family and my Government will stand alongside you, Mr President, and your ministers, throughout the anniversaries of the war and of the events that led to the creation of the Irish Free State."
A royal spokesperson declined to comment further, but told the Daily Telegraph newspaper that her words "speak for themselves".
They added that any further announcements will be made in due course.
The Easter Rising was an armed insurrection in Ireland in on 24 April 1916 mounted by Irish republicans who wanted to end British rule.
The rebellion was surprised by the British army, leading to an unconditional surrender five days later.
Support for independence increased until the 1918 general election, which saw republicans take 73 of 105 seats, and the first meeting of the new Irish parliament was held the following year.
Queen Elizabeth to mark Easter rising
