LONDON: Aung San Suu Kyi begins a bittersweet return to Britain Tuesday, during which she will be showered with honours and have an emotional family reunion after nearly a quarter of a century in Myanmar.
The democracy icon was arriving in Britain overnight from Ireland, where she took to the stage at a gala concert with U2 singer Bono to receive a prize from rights group Amnesty International.
She was later given the freedom of the city of Dublin at a special ceremony and crowds joined in singing "Happy Birthday" as she was given a cake to mark her 67th birthday, which is on Tuesday.
In Britain for the latest leg of a 17-day tour of Europe, Suu Kyi was to begin with a panel debate at the London School of Economics on Tuesday.
Later in the day she will attend a family reunion in the southern city of Oxford, where she studied at the prestigious university and lived for several years with the late Michael Aris, her English husband and father of her two sons.
The Chancellor of Oxford University, former Hong Kong governor Chris Patten, will formally welcome her on Tuesday, as will the head of her former college, St Hugh's.
On Wednesday Oxford University -- where she studied politics, philosophy and economics -- will award her an honorary doctorate in civil law and she will also deliver a speech in the grand surroundings of the 17th century Sheldonian Theatre.
On Thursday, Suu Kyi is to address both houses of parliament in London -- an honour only granted to high-profile foreign dignitaries such as US President Barack Obama.
She will also meet Prime Minister David Cameron and heir to the throne Prince Charles.
Suu Kyi said at the weekend that she hoped the trip to Oxford in particular would not be "tinged with sadness."
Suu Kyi became the leader of the country's democracy movement against its military rulers, spending most of the following decades under house arrest.
She refused to leave the country, fearing that the junta would prevent her from returning and keep her in exile.
In Norway on Sunday she co-hosted a peace forum with Bono before travelling to Dublin on Monday in the star's private jet.
In Ireland, Suu Kyi received Amnesty International's Ambassador of Conscience Award at a concert with performances by stars including Benin singer Angelique Kidjo and US rapper Lupe Fiasco.
She won the award in 2009 but was under house arrest in Myanmar at the time.
"To receive this award is to remind me that 24 years ago I took on duties from which I shall never be relieved but you have given me the strength to carry out," Suu Kyi said.
Bono thanked Suu Kyi for being at the concert, saying: "We are humbled, we are grateful."
Suu Kyi's tour also takes in Switzerland and France.
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