President Mary McAleese has again said she would welcome a visit to Ireland by Queen Elizabeth.
In London last night the President confirmed her strong personal desire, and that of the Irish and British governments, to see such a visit as and when political developments in Northern Ireland permit.
The two heads of state are believed to have discussed the situation there during a private 15-minute meeting before attending a reception ahead of a celebratory dinner to mark the 25th anniversary of the non-denominational charity Co-operation Ireland and its peace-building work on the island of Ireland.
Arriving at Crosby Hall - once the home of St Thomas More - the President confirmed: "The Irish and British governments are agreed that a visit should take place and the timing is for decision by them in the light of the successful development of the political process in Northern Ireland over time."
While some interpreted this as a signal that a British royal visit was moving closer, Irish sources confirmed that the position remains effectively unchanged since the signing of the Belfast Agreement in 1998 and that a stable political climate in the North is a prerequisite to naming a date.
Last night's meeting was the third between President McAleese and Queen Elizabeth, who are joint patrons of Co-operation Ireland. The President, who addressed the 150 guests before dinner and after Queen Elizabeth departed, said the event was "of great significance" for them both. "I certainly cannot think of a time when the relations between the two islands and the two governments have been more warm, more friendly, more respectful and more focused on getting the job done, particularly in relation to the peace process and getting it done in partnership."
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British prime minister Tony Blair sent messages of support and congratulation to Co-operation Ireland to mark the occasion.