Newly released Irish government documents reveal Queen Elizabeth II expressed her discomfort with Orange marches, describing them as ‘silly’ during a conversation with the then Irish ambassador to the UK in 2000. The ambassador noted her optimism about the peace process in Northern Ireland, highlighting her support for the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. Though some in the Orange Order downplayed her comments, they reflect her cautious engagement with Northern Irish politics throughout her reign, which included 25 visits to the region.