'Avoidable and regrettable pain still felt by many of us' – Full Text of Queen’s speech

The goal of living together as neighbours and friends is now within reach, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II said a State banquet in honour of Irish President Michael D Higgins tonight.

She said that Ireland and the UK are now “walking together towards a brighter, more settled future”, adding: “We will remember our past, but we shall no longer allow our past to ensnare our future.”