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In 2000, Queen Elizabeth II reportedly derided Northern Ireland's Orange Marches as "silly marching business" during a private conversation with Ireland's ambassador to the UK, Ted Barrington.
The statement, which surfaced in recently leaked state records, occurred on July 25 during a Buckingham Palace Garden Party.
Barrington highlighted that the Queen's statement was not an isolated incident, since she had previously expressed similar feelings.
Despite the norm of keeping royal talks private, Barrington originally hesitated to reveal the Queen's thoughts, evidently fearful of the potential response.
His report, which was not intended for widespread publication, suggested limited distribution to avoid any controversy caused by the statement.
Her Majesty was not hesitant about offering her no-nonsense view, even if it did not constitute "marching orders" for public exposure.
While admitting the necessity of paramilitary prisoner releases for the peace process, such as Michael Stone's controversial release, Her Majesty's remarks on the marches have generated disagreement.
The Reverend Mervyn Gibson of the Orange Order joined in, arguing that the remark had been taken out of context.
He questioned whether the "silly" statement was intended for the demonstrators, the Parades Commission, or something else completely.
Her Majesty was not hesitant about offering her no-nonsense view, even if it did not constitute "marching orders" for public exposure.
While admitting the necessity of paramilitary prisoner releases for the peace process, such as Michael Stone's controversial release, Her Majesty's remarks on the marches have generated disagreement.
The Reverend Mervyn Gibson of the Orange Order joined in, arguing that the remark had been taken out of context.
He questioned whether the "silly" statement was intended for the demonstrators, the Parades Commission, or something else completely.
