Queen Elizabeth remembers special royal tour with Prince Philip: 'I treasure my many memories'
Queen Elizabeth has shared fond memories of a visit she took with Prince Philip to Ireland a decade ago.
Her Majesty recalled the tour in 2011 as she paid tribute to the 100-year anniversary of the creation of Northern Ireland.
The monarch called the milestone "a significant centenary for both the United Kingdom and Ireland".
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh arrive for a State Dinner on the second day of her State Visit, at Dublin Castle, on May 18, 2011 in Dublin, Ireland. Getty
"This anniversary reminds us of our complex history," she said.
She added that it provided "an opportunity to reflect on our togetherness and our diversity".
In a message shared on the royal family's official website and social media channels, the monarch paid special mention to her visit to Northern Ireland with her husband.
"I look back with fondness on the visit Prince Philip and I paid to Ireland, ten years ago this month," she said.
"I treasure my many memories, and the spirit of goodwill I saw at first hand."
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke Of Edinburgh arrive by steam train to open the new Bellarena Station village on June 28, 2016 in Bellarena, Northern Ireland. Getty
Northern Ireland was officially founded on May 3, 1921, with a border now firmly established between it and the Republic of Ireland.
The Queen's visit to Ireland in 2011 was the first by a British monarch since 1911.
The Queen said political progress and the peace process were "rightly credited to a generation of leaders who had the vision and courage to put reconciliation before division".
"Above all, the continued peace is a credit to its people, upon whose shoulders the future rests," she added.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke Of Edinburgh travel on a steam train from Coleraine Railway Station to Bellarena Station village on June 28, 2016 near Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. Getty
"Across generations, the people of Northern Ireland are choosing to build an inclusive, prosperous, and hopeful society, strengthened by the gains of the peace process.
"May this be our guiding thread in the coming years."
The royal family has made several visits to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland over the years.
Prince Philip first travelled to Northern Ireland in March, 1946, accompanying the then-Princess Elizabeth who was officially launching aircraft carrier HMS Eagle.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Northern Ireland in 2020. Getty
It was the first of 19 visits to Northern Ireland by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Prince Philip visited Northern Ireland more times than his wife though, marking 60 visits in total.
More recently, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge travelled to Northern Ireland in February 2020.
Meghan Markle during a visit to Belfast, in Northern Ireland, in March 2018. Karwai Tang/WireImage
It was their last royal tour before the coronavirus lockdowns were imposed around the world.
And in March 2018, Prince Harry made a short visit to Northern Ireland with then fiancée Meghan Markle ahead of their wedding in May.
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