The Queen with Irish President Michael D Higgins during her visit to the Republic in 2011

THE Queen is to visit Northern Ireland later this month.

She will accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh during a series of public engagements from 23 to 25 June.

However, for security reasons no further details have been announced.

Secretary of State Theresa Villiers said she was “absolutely delighted”.

“This will be a wonderful opportunity to show Her Majesty and His Royal Highness some of the best that Northern Ireland has to offer and demonstrate the work being done to bring different parts of the community together and build a more prosperous future,” she said.

The Queen and Prince Philip last visited the province in June 2012 as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour.

She also visited the Republic in 2011 and met Irish President Michael D Higgins.

His invitation was recently reciprocated when the Queen invited the Irish President to London.