Elizabeth II conducted a state visit.
Elizabeth II . 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 . State visit . Queen Elizabeth II is `` the most travelled head of state in the world , '' having made 261 official overseas visits and 96 state visits to 116 countries by the time of her Diamond Jubilee in 2012 .