The Queen shares a sweet memory of Prince Philip in a message marking a special anniversary

In a statement to Northern Ireland, the Queen has shared a sweet memory that she 'treasures' about a trip she took with Prince Philip. 

• The Queen has made a statement about the 100 year anniversary of the Government of Ireland Act.

• The Queen also shared a sweet memory about her late husband Prince Philip who passed away at the age of 99.

• In other royal news, Prince Charles sends a sweet card to royal fans which includes childhood picture of him and his father Prince Philip

In a statement on Instagram, the Queen reflected on the ‘significant centenary’ on the anniversary of the Government of Ireland Act. The post shared a statement from the Queen and posted selected photos from the Queen’s trips to Northern Ireland in 2012 and 2014. 

In the statement, the Queen spoke about Prince Philip as she fondly remembered their trips to Nothern Ireland together. The Queen said, “I look back with fondness on the visit Prince Philip and I paid to Ireland, ten years ago this month. I treasure my many memories, and the spirit of goodwill I saw at first hand.”

This memory was made bittersweet by the Prince’s death earlier this year as the Duke of Edinburgh passed away on 9th April 2021, after the Queen and Prince Philip were married for more than 70 years. Despite this painful reminder, the Queen managed to stay positive as she spoke about this anniversary being an 'opportunity to reflect on our togetherness'.

The full statement from the Queen said, “A century ago, the Government of Ireland Act came into effect, and today marks a significant centenary for both the United Kingdom and Ireland. This anniversary reminds us of our complex history, and provides an opportunity to reflect on our togetherness and our diversity.”

The Queen spoke about the current state of Northern Ireland as she said, “In Northern Ireland today, there is, perhaps more than ever, a rich mix of identities, backgrounds and aspirations, and an outward-looking and optimistic mindset. The political progress in Northern Ireland and the peace process is rightly credited to a generation of leaders who had the vision and courage to put reconciliation before division. But above all, the continued peace is a credit to its people, upon whose shoulders the future rests.”

She continued to say, "It is clear that reconciliation, equality and mutual understanding cannot be taken for granted, and will require sustained fortitude and commitment. During my many visits to Northern Ireland, I have seen these qualities in abundance, and look forward to seeing them again on future occasions."

The Queen concluded by talking about peace in Northern Ireland as she sent her warmest good wishes and signed the letter From 'Elizabeth R.' 

The Queen said, "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. I send my warmest good wishes to the people of Northern Ireland. ELIZABETH R."