The Prince of Wales has visited the Irish Embassy in London, the first member of the British Royal Family to do so.

Prince Charles, joined by his wife the Duchess of Cornwall, met leading figures from Irish society at a special reception hosted by ambassador Bobby McDonagh.

Sir Terry Wogan described the visit as "significant", saying he believed it would lead to a trip by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland.

The broadcaster said: "In view of the fact that his mother, Her Majesty the Queen, will be visiting Ireland next year - or so I hear - this is significant.

"I've been in Ireland a lot this year doing a documentary for BBC television on Ireland and there is a lot of anticipation."

Among the guests were celebrities who have become household names in Britain, including Bob Geldof, former Formula One racing boss Eddie Jordan, and singer Val Doonican.

Northern Ireland MPs and peers were also at the event, held at the building in London's Belgravia.

Rumours of the royal visit have persisted for much of the year but Buckingham Palace has always said it does not talk about the Queen's diary so far in advance and that there has been no official invitation.