State Papers - 1977: Consternation over who to send to queen’s silver jubilee ceremonies

CONFUSION arose in 1977 as to who would attend celebrations to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s silver jubilee, as well as if a tall ship could participate in a race marking the occasion.

The British ambassador’s invitation to attend a ceremony at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, and a reception afterwards on June 7 to mark the jubilee caused consternation.

The President, Taoiseach and ministers were invited to attend.

It was discussed if Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave could make his excuses because of a pre-planned visit to Germany close to the day of celebrations.

A department secretary note for Mr Cosgrave read: “If there was a private addition to your proposed official German visit on 6 June the question would be disposed of as far as you are concerned.”

It added: “I’m assuming that the Government would have no comment to make on the British functions and that some ministers would attend one or both and that the President might attend the service.”

The departments checked arrangements with previous royal events, which showed governments had rejected attending the silver jubilee of King George V in 1935 as well as receptions in Dublin to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.

It was suggested the then Minister for Foreign Affairs Garret FitzGerald lead considerations on the matter.

Notes also reveal department secretaries wanted to know President Hillery’s decision on attending the jubilee celebrations.

The Taoiseach’s private secretary told the Reverend Victor Griffin, the Dean of St Patrick’s, he could not attend the religious ceremony because of “existing commitments for that date make it impossible for him to be present”.

Garrett FitzGerald directed to the Department of Taoiseach that President Hillery send a “message of congratulations” to the Queen. A draft message from Mr FitzGerald’s office was enclosed in the letter.

The Queen replied to President Hillery’s letter through the British embassy in Dublin, saying.

“I send my sincere thanks to Your Excellency for your kind message on the occasion of my Silver Jubilee which I greatly appreciated. Elizabeth R.”

But disagreement arose in 1977 over whether an Irish yacht, the Creidne along with naval service personnel would participate in a review of boats as well as a race to mark the jubilee.

Notes for ministers said the Department of Foreign Affairs was against Creidne being in the review of British fleet ships for “political reasons”. Instead, the Irish lights vessel Granuaile would attend. But for the cross channel race in June, berth places were already booked on Creidne. Foreign Affairs, though, were not keen to see the ship linked to the queen’s celebrations.

“Similar considerations apply to a participation of Creidne in silver jubilee functions as apply to participation by the Naval Service.” Creidne’s skipper Eric Healy thought otherwise.

It was the highlight of the sail training season and allowed young sailors to compete with other nationalities. Furthermore, the vessel had participated for years in similar events, a note circulated by the Department of Defence recorded him as saying. Captain Healy added: “An aim of sail training — bring young people of different countries together and thus foster international goodwill and understanding. [It is] contrary to [the] spirit of sail training not to participate for political reasons.”

It was agreed Creidne be allowed join the race, but not the Silver Jubilee review of boats.