The possibility of William and Kate making a visit to Ireland is inching closer after the two received an invitation to visit the country from the Taoiseach - the Irish Prime Minister - when he visited Buckingham Palace for Olympic celebrations.

Mr Kenny informally invited the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to make their first visit to the Republic when he met them at a pre-Olympics reception for heads of state and government at Buckingham Palace last Friday.

He was introduced to them at the event hosted by Queen Elizabeth, whose made her first state visit to the country just over a year ago.

According to the Taoiseach, his invitation was received warmly by Kate and William.

"They were very enthusiastic, and hope to get involved with some of our notable charities," he told the Irish Independent.

He added that Prince Charles and Camilla, who he also met at the Olympics reception, were also "very keen" to visit Ireland.

The palace was noticeably cooler, saying only: "They get asked to travel to many places, but they would've been pleased with the invitation."