Tomorrow (or rather today) in Ireland, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and his fiancée, Charlene Wittstock, officially begin their state visit to the emerald island.  According to the Press Association, the couple will be officially greeted by:

President Mary McAleese and her husband Dr Martin McAleese will formally welcome the Prince at Aras an Uachtarain tomorrow morning and kick-start a series of engagements in Dublin.

After the official greeting, a bunch of air kissing, hand shaking, and head nods the princely entourage and Irish politicians will have a lovely lunch at Iveagh House.  After lunch there will be a meeting “…between the Taoiseach and Prince Albert in Government Buildings.” (MS) It is unknown what Miss Wittstock will do, perhaps shopping or meeting the locals, but one this is for sure… there will be loads of photos of her doing something.  Or, not.

Anyway…

The purpose of the visit, according to the Irish government news service, Merrion Street, is to:

…strengthen relations between Ireland and Monaco and help to explore the undoubted opportunities for increasing trade, tourism and investment links between the two countries.

Source: Press Asscociation and Merrion Street.ie Photo courtesy of: Zimbio.com by Bauer Griffin