Elizabeth II conducted a state visit in 2012.
Elizabeth II ( Elizabeth Alexandra Mary ; born 21 April 1926 ) has been Queen of the United Kingdom , Canada , Australia , and New Zealand since 6 February 1952 . Elizabeth 's many historic visits and meetings include a state visit to the Republic of Ireland and visits to or from five popes . Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and her husband Prince Philip , Duke of Edinburgh , made a state visit to the Republic of Ireland from 17 May to 20 May 2011 , at the invitation of the President of Ireland , Mary McAleese .