Queen Elizabeth II’s Private Thoughts on Orange Marches Unveiled
Newly released Irish government papers reveal Queen Elizabeth II’s dismissive views on the Orange marches during a 2000 conversation with former Irish ambassador Ted Barrington. Expressing optimism about the peace process, she acknowledged the significance of paramilitary prisoner releases under the Good Friday Agreement. Although she had shown interest in visiting Ireland, official responses cautioned against such visits due to ongoing political instability. Queen Elizabeth II made 25 visits to Northern Ireland throughout her reign, carefully navigating her public statements regarding the region.