Diana, Princess of Wales showed “obvious ignorance of, or disregard for, constitutional niceties” in relation to Northern Ireland, according to a note from the Irish ambassador in 1993.
The late princess had referred to Northern Ireland as part of Ireland in an interaction which was noted ahead of a historic visit by then-Irish president Mary Robinson to Buckingham Palace.
The meeting in May 1993 would mark the first time a serving president of Ireland visited the United Kingdom, and visited Queen Elizabeth II.
A folder with briefing material for the Irish president ahead of the visit includes a note by the Irish ambassador in London, Joseph Small, where he stated that the Princess Royal had visited Ireland in a private capacity for equestrian functions.
Early last year she said to me, with obvious ignorance of or disregard for constitutional niceties: ‘I was in your country yesterday!’
Joseph Small’s briefing note
“Whenever we meet Prince Charles, he invariably says that he would love to visit Ireland,” Mr Small’s briefing note dated May 21 1993 said.
“He is, of course, a regular visit to Northern Ireland (sic). Princess Diana has also been there.
“Early last year she said to me, with obvious ignorance of or disregard for constitutional niceties: ‘I was in your country yesterday!’”
The briefing note also detailed the latest political situation in the UK, included notes on the Irish diaspora in the UK, and on the royal family ahead of what would become a significant visit as Anglo-Irish relations deepened.
Mrs Robinson’s visit to London was planned for May 26-28, where she was to receive the degree of doctor of civil law by diploma from the University of Oxford, become an honorary fellow of Hertford College, Oxford, and present the Irish Post Awards that celebrate the Irish in Britain.
On the second day of the trip at 5pm, Mrs Robinson was to “pay a courtesy call” to Queen Elizabeth II in response to an invite from the monarch.
Among the topics noted for possible discussion between Mrs Robinson and Queen Elizabeth II was Northern Ireland, bombing atrocities in the region and in Britain, cross-border issues and general relations between Ireland and the UK.
+1
Mary Robinson with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in 1993 (Martin Keene/PA)
TRENDING
Harry Judd’s son, 3, rushed to hospital after ‘traumatic’ accident
11.5k viewing now
KATIE HIND reveals inside story of Paddy McGuinness’s divorce battle
49.5k viewing now
Kirstie Allsopp says Chancellor’s Budget has ‘f***ed all farmers’
10.1k viewing now
Also noted were Mrs Robinson’s appreciation of “her response re Somalia” and her “concerns” regarding Sudan and Yugoslavia and the “British UN military involvement”.
The meeting was scheduled to last around 40 minutes, where tea and light refreshments were to be served.
Mr Robinson also attended the engagement, while the Duke of Edinburgh was in Liverpool attending the anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic.
An observer wrote to the president’s office before the visit and noted some parallels with “the last meeting between an Irish woman leader and a British monarch”.
The writer compared the Buckingham Palace meeting with the Queen of Connaught, Grace O’Malley, visiting Queen Elizabeth I at Greenwich Castle exactly 400 years earlier, in 1593.
“Grace, like yourself, was also a Mayo woman!” Dr Donald Martin from Killybegs in Co Donegal wrote, noting that the language spoken at the time was Latin.
Mrs Robinson’s special adviser replied to say Mrs Robinson read the letter with “great interest”.
The material can be viewed in the National Archives in file
News
SAD NEWS: The doctor who tried to save Princess Diana reveals the truth after 27 years of remorse: “I’m sorry, it was I who…”
The doctor who attempted to save Princess Diana’s life on that tragic night has finally spoken out, unable to conceal his emotions any longer. With a heavy…
Breaking News: The forensic doctor reveals the true reason behind Princess Diana’s passing: “Her injury was very small and thin, not caused by the car…”
In a recent revelation that has rekindled public curiosity and sorrow over the tragic passing of Princess Diana, renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Richard Shepherd has shared what…
GOOD NEWS: Princess Diana’s Doctor Made INSANE Announcement “When I arrived, Diana was still alive, but someone had…”
In a shocking revelation, a former physician closely associated with Princess Diana has made bold claims, sparking renewed interest and debate over the tragic circumstances surrounding her…
Breaking News: The firefighter reveals Princess Diana’s final words: “She handed me a lock of the culprit’s hair, asking me to give it to her two sons and saying, ‘Find the one who harmed your mother…’”
In an astonishing turn of events, the firefighter who was present during Princess Diana’s final moments has revealed a previously untold aspect of her last words, sparking…
SAD NEWS: Princess Diana’s sons “join hands” to uncover the truth from 27 years ago: King Charles breaks down in tears, confessing, “The culprit is…”
In a historic move, the two sons of the late Princess Diana, Prince William and Prince Harry, have reportedly joined forces to uncover what truly happened in…
Victoria Beckham reveals son Cruz’s startling 10-word admission about dad David
When Cruz Beckham saw his dad’s documentary about his life he was left amazed by his ex-Manchester United father’s footballing prowess. Victoria Beckham on the Harper’s Bazaar…
End of content
No more pages to load