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The Candidate
The Explainer
7 May 2026
Charles wants to visit but we're not sure what to do with him
00:00

Reports suggest Britain's King Charles is likely to visit Ireland on an official trip, possibly as soon as next year. His mother's visit in 2011 was a landmark moment, but it had a clear purpose along the lines of healing and 'turning a new page'. This one doesn't have a script yet. 


Christine Bohan, Christina Finn and Rónán Duffy discuss what kind of visit this should be, and whether Ireland has moved on enough that it's just another head of state dropping by.


Also: the byelections are two weeks out and the team have been out on the doors.