Queen Elizabeth’s non-public chat on Northern Eire sparks debate.
Queen Elizabeth II reportedly dismissed Northern Eire’s Orange Marches as “silly marching business” throughout a personal chat with Eire’s ambassador to the UK, Ted Barrington, in 2000.
The comment, which emerged in newly launched state papers, passed off at a Buckingham Palace Backyard Social gathering on July 25.
Barrington famous that the Queen’s remark wasn’t a one-off, having heard comparable sentiments from Her Majesty earlier than.
Regardless of the conference of retaining royal conversations non-public, Barrington, apparently cautious of the doable backlash, initially hesitated to share the Queen’s views.
His report, which was not meant for broad circulation, requested restricted distribution to forestall any stir which may come up from the remark.
Her Majesty wasn’t shy about sharing her no-nonsense opinion, even when it wasn’t precisely “marching orders” for public disclosure.
Whereas acknowledging the significance of paramilitary prisoner releases for the peace deal—such because the controversial launch of Michael Stone—Her Majesty’s touch upon the marches has sparked debate.
The Rev Mervyn Gibson of the Orange Order weighed in, suggesting the remark may need been taken out of context.
He questioned whether or not the “silly” comment was directed on the protesters, the Parades Fee, or one thing else completely.