The monarch also reflected on her historic visit to Ireland 10 years ago.
Queen Elizabeth II has sent the President of Ireland a heartfelt greeting ahead of our national holiday tomorrow.
In her letter to Michael D Higgins, the Queen wished all of Ireland a happy St. Patrick’s Day in our native tongue.
“Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh go léir.” she wrote, signing off her message.
The greeting also appeared on the royal family’s official Twitter account.
“Ahead of #StPatricksDay tomorrow, The Queen has sent her best wishes to the people of Ireland,” the tweet read.
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh go léir
Ahead of #StPatricksDay tomorrow, The Queen has sent her best wishes to the people of Ireland ➡️ https://t.co/FQv88xVz5q
📷Her Majesty is pictured with @PresidentIRL and during her historic visit to Ireland in 2011. pic.twitter.com/4OKpaAp74v
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 16, 2021
The letter opens with a message to both President Higgins and the Irish people: “On the occasion of your National Day, I would like to convey to Your Excellency my congratulations, together with my best wishes to the people of Ireland.”
The Queen also reflected on her historic 2011 visit to Ireland. The trip marked the first royal visit to the Republic in 100 years.
She wrote: “This year marks ten years since my visit to Ireland, which I remember fondly, and it marks a significant centenary across these islands.”
It continues: “We share ties of family, friendship and affection – the foundation of our partnership that remains as important today as ten years ago.”
President Higgins responded in kind.
President Higgins has issued his response to the warm greetings he received from Queen Elizabeth II, on the occasion of #StPatricksDay.
Read more: https://t.co/fAmgvPSt1O pic.twitter.com/GQg9arAeYs
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) March 16, 2021
“I would like to extend my warmest appreciation for your good wishes on our national day.” he wrote.
Higgins also reflected on the significance of the Queen’s visit in 2011, calling it a “moment of healing”.
He continued: “We know St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated in the hearts of generations of Irish people who have made their home in Britain, and their British friends and family, as well as by the many British people who have happily made their home here.”
President Higgins added that the relationship of the two nations is a “source of continuing joy” for them both. He then signed off as Gaelige.
