British monarch to make landmark Ireland visit

DUBLIN - Queen Elizabeth II embarks on the first visit on Tuesday by a British monarch to the Republic of Ireland since it won independence, surrounded by a massive security operation.

In a highly charged trip aimed at reconciliation following the peace established in British-ruled Northern Ireland, the queen will undertake an historic four-day state visit to the republic.

Irish security forces are on full alert for the visits of the 85-year-old monarch and US President Barack Obama in the space of a week.