"Confidential files released as part of the State Papers revealed Irish officials were concerned at the length of the proposed trip extended as the luxury surrounding the then prince's events steadily mounted. The revelation came as it also emerged former taoiseach Bertie Ahern rejected a proposed invitation to host the HMS Ark Royal, one of three Invincible-class light aircraft carriers in the Royal Navy."
"British ambassador Stewart Eldon had "requested permission" for the visit on "an informal basis" from June 11-16. However, officials in both the departments of the Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs felt the invite should be declined. One official warned that in "my view" it would be hard "to construe" a visit by the Ark Royal at this time as "anything other than propaganda and triumphalism"."
King Charles III sought a return visit to Ireland in 1996, just a year after his first trip, after positive headlines. Confidential State Papers show Irish officials worried the proposed extended itinerary and increasing luxury would create poor optics. Charles proposed Royal Yacht visits to Galway Bay and Cork Harbour. Cork hosts the Royal Cork Yacht Club. Then-taoiseach John Bruton objected, suggesting the prince should fly into regional airports instead. Separately, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern rejected a 2003 invitation for the Royal Navy carrier HMS Ark Royal to visit Dublin Port, with officials warning such a visit would seem like propaganda and triumphalism.
Read at Irish Independent
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