Britain’s Queen Elizabeth wants the UK and Ireland to "live together as neighbours and friends".
The monarch hosted a banquet for 160 people in honour of Irish President Michael D. Higgins at Windsor Castle yesterday (08.04.14) and spoke of the "regrettable pain" and urge to move beyond the "chequered history" between the two countries.
In her speech, she said the goal of the nations was simple, adding: "It is that we who inhabit these islands should live together as neighbours and friends. Respectful of each other’s nationhood, sovereignty and traditions. Co-operating to our mutual benefit. At ease in each other’s company.
"After so much chequered history, the avoidable and regrettable pain of which is still felt by many of us, this goal is now within reach."
In her speech, the monarch also recalled the historic visit she and her husband Prince Philip made to Ireland three years ago, and praised the contribution of Irish people to British life.
She added: "My visit to Ireland and your visit this week, Mr President, show that we are walking together towards a brighter, more settled future. We will remember our past but we shall no longer allow our past to ensnare our future. This is the greatest gift we can give to succeeding generations."
Mr. Higgins also addressed he assembled dignitaries, which included Taoiseach Enda Kenny, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
He told the queen: "We valued your apt and considered words when you addressed some of the painful moments of our mutual history and we were moved by your gestures of respect at sites of national historical significance in Ireland."
Queen Elizabeth hosts banquet for Irish president
