Irish melodies herald era of reconciliation at Windsor

SEWN together with as much care as this landmark State visit, it was joint admiration of a fan made from handcrafted Youghal lace which saw queen Elizabeth and President Higgins relax into laughter after the spectacle of the welcome to Windsor Castle.

The Queen was showing Mr Higgins items of Irish interest from the royal collection in the castle’s green room when the fan, given to Queen Mary for her wedding in 1893, caught their eyes as they as they chatted in animated fashion about the pieces spread out before them.

Indeed, it could be said the pair got on like a house on fire — if one can use such a metaphor in Windsor Castle, scene of the blaze that capped the Queen’s infamous annus horribilis in 1992.