She might have enjoyed her first ever official visit to the Emerald Isle in 2011 and international relations between the Republic and the United Kingdom might be at an all-time high, but it seems the Queen has decided that lighting Buckingham Palace green for St. Patrick’s Day is a step too far and has declined Tourism Ireland’s invitation.
The tourist board has been inviting several landmarks to turn green this year, as part of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities and The Gathering but in a letter to the marketing body, the Queen said that her decision did not take away from “special affection” she has for the country.
The Tourism Ireland initiative will see iconic landmarks around the world, including the Empire State Building, Christ the Redeemer in Rio and even the Pyramids in Egypt turn green on March 17th.
London will celebrate Paddy’s Day but not under a green Buckingham Palace
Niall Gibbons, chief executive of Tourism Ireland tweeted saying that he had received a “lovely letter” from Buckingham Palace.
He tweeted “Her Majesty has sent ‘good wishes to all those in Tourism Ireland working hard to promote the many attractions of Ireland north and south’”
