Madam, – We owe a great debt of gratitude to the security forces of this State. Their seamless, professional, discreet work during the Queen’s visit does this nation proud.
The sight of the Army’s finest, standing proud with the Queen at the Garden of Remembrance gave exactly the right signal.
The visit was covered rather salaciously here in the US: news networks were almost disappointed that nothing went wrong. But thanks to the Defence Forces and Garda, it all went off without a hitch.
This has sent a very real and important signal about our country to the world, and for that, we say thank you to the under-funded and over-worked security forces of this island. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – I noted with interest that the tiara Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, wore was the “Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara”. This magnificent piece was a gift from the girls of Great Britain and Ireland to Queen Mary in 1893.
The diamond tiara was purchased from Garrard, the London jeweller, by a committee organised by Lady Eve Greville. In 1947, Mary gave the tiara to her granddaughter, the future Queen Elizabeth II, as a wedding present.
This tiara is not part of the crown jewels but a part of her personal collection. The crown jewels by law are not permitted to leave Britain.
I would love to know more about the origins of the beautiful diamond harp she wore on the same night.
It is touching that she so thoughtfully chose her jewellery. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – The Queen has now departed from our capital city and the visit was a great success. As for our President, Mary McAleese – she was the most natural, warm, elegant and gracious hostess that anyone could wish for. She did us proud. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Did we not have a referendum among all the people of the island which agreed on the status quo of the division of the island? If so, why do some people seem to think the visit is an insult and an abandonment of “the North”– Yours, etc,