Co-operation Ireland #45in45 – Joint Patrons host event at Windsor Castle
In 2024 we are marking Co-operation Ireland’s 45th anniversary by exploring our history through 45 items, people, and locations.
Item 16: Windsor Castle
At Co-operation Ireland, we have a link to Windsor Castle in which we take immense pride.
In being one of the few charities to have had Queen Elizabeth II and President Michael D Higgins as joint patrons, we were honoured to be present at the state banquet dinner held at Windsor Castle in 2014.
This event was not just a formal gathering but a profound symbol of reconciliation and progress. It followed a landmark moment at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast in 2012, where Queen Elizabeth II and Martin McGuinness, then Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, shared a historic handshake at a Co-operation Ireland organised event.
This simple yet powerful gesture represented a significant step forward in the peace process, highlighting the journey from conflict to cooperation.
The 2014 state banquet at Windsor Castle was a testament to the progress made. It brought together political leaders, dignitaries, and advocates of peace from both sides of the Irish Sea.
The event underscored the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and the ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships. It was a night that celebrated the strides taken towards a more harmonious future and reinforced the critical role of organisations like Co-operation Ireland in this journey.
Working to build harmonious relations is at the core of what we do, and these efforts are underwritten by the joint patronage of King Charles III and President Higgins. This support symbolises our shared commitment to fostering peace across these islands.