A WARM thank you to the people of Cork has been extended by Queen Elizabeth for making her visit a memorable and honourable occasion.
The welcome extended to the Queen by the people of Cork who lined the Grand Parade to see her was noted in a letter addressed to Lord Mayor of Cork Michael O’Connell.
The letter of thanks from the Queen’s deputy private secretary at Buckingham Palace, Edward Young, arrived at City Hall in Cork on Monday.
Large crowds cheered the arrival of Queen Elizabeth in Cork on the final day of her four-day visit to the Republic, as gardaí relaxed security allowing the monarch to greet crowds at the English Market.
“Please would you tell the people of Cork that the warmth of their welcome was deeply moving and greatly appreciated,” Mr Young wrote.
The Queen described her visit as “particularly memorable” and extended her thanks for the gifts she received on her visit, including a brooch, a hamper full of products traditionally sold at the English Market and a book detailing the history of the shopping district.
“The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have asked me to thank you for your support in making their visit to the English Market such a memorable occasion.
“It was such a colourful and lively visit, as well as a wonderful opportunity for Her Majesty and His Royal Highness to meet members of the public,” the letter said.
Good wishes from the Queen were extended to Cork City Council staff, gardaí, traders and “all those involved in making the visit such a success”. The monarch’s visit has sparked a flurry of interest in the region among tourists, with searches for Cork on the hotels.com website up 74 per cent to date this month.