Flatley to lure Prince Albert for visit
A PLANNED Irish visit by Prince Albert of Monaco has been postponed -- and now Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley is being recruited to help arrange a new date.
Prince Albert II (51) -- whose mother, Princess Grace, was a regular visitor to Ireland -- had been provisionally scheduled to visit Dublin, Kildare and Cork next year as part of his first ever official Irish trip.
The visit was expected to take place in May but has now been postponed.
Monaco's consul to Ireland confirmed that, for unexplained reasons, the prince will not be able to visit. Tourism officials are now expected to approach North Cork resident Michael Flatley to lend his personal assistance with a re-arranged visit by Prince Albert.
He has been a keen supporter of Prince Albert and his various charitable ventures.
Flatley, who shot to fame in 'Riverdance' before launching his own shows, was personally asked by Prince Albert and his late father, Prince Rainier, to perform at the highlight of Monaco's social calendar, the Red Cross Ball in 2003.
Irish tourism officials are hopeful that the dancer star's connections with Prince Albert will help re-arrange dates for a Dublin and Cork visit in the near future.
- Ralph Riegel
Irish Independent
