Sir, – If, as her late majesty memorably wrote after 9/11, “grief is the price we pay for love”, it is clear that she was a figure loved by many in Ireland.
All of us in the British embassy, and those we represent at home, have been touched by the outpouring of affection and admiration for Queen Elizabeth in the 10 days since her passing. In particular, I’m grateful to the President, Taoiseach, other Ministers and other party leaders for their moving expressions of condolence and recognition, including in tributes in both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Just as significant have been the very many messages of condolence we’ve received from people across this beautiful country, a country which meant so much to Queen Elizabeth.
It has been moving to meet members of the public, many of whom say they feel personally the Queen’s passing, and who have visited the embassy to sign our condolence book, to leave flowers, and to say goodbye.
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Amidst the grief and the love, I have been encouraged, too, by the expressions of hope, in particular that the legacy of the Queen’s life, not least of her historic state visit in 2011, will be an ever stronger connection between the UK and Ireland.
Over the last decade, King Charles and the Queen Consort have been regular visitors to Ireland and it was an honour to accompany them on their visit to Waterford and Tipperary earlier this year. I am confident that their commitment to the relationship, to reconciliation, and to peace and progress across these islands will remain steadfast. And I know from talking to the prime minister and other UK ministers in recent days how focused they are on this uniquely close and important relationship.
In all this work, we will draw inspiration from the example of her late majesty. And today we express our gratitude for her lifelong dedication to public service.
Or, as Paddington succinctly put it, “Thank you ma’am, for everything”. – Yours, etc,
PAUL JOHNSTON,
UK Ambassador
to Ireland,
British Embassy,
Dublin 4.