Queen's nephew does his bit

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were not the only royals in Ireland this week. On Thursday afternoon, as they were returning to Dublin from Kildare, the queen’s nephew, Viscount Linley (49) was jetting in from London and preparing to travel to Kildare.

Linley is chairman of fine-art auctioneers Christie’s UK and Ireland, and he was here to launch an exhibition of art and antiques owned by the late Tony Ryan. The Ryanair founder, who died in 2007, was one of Ireland’s richest men, and the Ryan family are selling a selection of 400 paintings and antiques from their father’s home. The sale is taking place in July.

Linley is the son of the queen’s late sister, Princess Margaret. He is also a professional cabinet maker and furniture designer. He chatted and mingled with 200 guests who were treated to a champagne and Pimm’s reception. He told The Irish Times that while he could not comment on the queen’s visit, he was “delighted to hear that it’s gone well” and pointed out he is “married to an Irish girl” (Lady Serena Stanhope) and has been to Ireland “many times”.