Queen Elizabeth II has thanked the people of Dublin for their warm welcome during last month’s ground-breaking State visit.
In a letter to the capital’s Lord Mayor Gerry Breen, she said both she and the Duke of Edinburgh had a memorable time.
She also sent good wishes to everyone involved in making the trip a success.
The letter, dated May 26, from her deputy private secretary, says: “The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh have asked me to thank you for your support in making their time in Dublin during their state visit to Ireland, so memorable.
“The visits undertaken by Her Majesty and His Royal Highness in Dublin highlighted a wealth of history, culture and dynamism associated with the city, which looked wonderful in the May sunshine.”
The Queen and Duke said they were aware of the efforts involved in putting together the programme of events and sent their good wishes to everybody involved.
In a hand-written addendum, the secretary adds a personal message: “The Queen has further asked whether you would kindly convey to the people of Dublin her sincere thanks for such a warm and memorable welcome.”
The royal couple visited the Garden of Remembrance, which honours all who fought for Irish freedom from Britain, Croke Park, the Gaelic games stadium where British troops massacred spectators in 1920, Dublin Castle and the Guinness brewery.
It was the first visit to the Republic of Ireland by a reigning British monarch.