The Queen's Visit to Ireland

Before we dive in, let me offer massive apologies for going missing for a month (and thus delaying this post).  There were 2.5 major illnesses in my family (0.5 being a family friend) that needed urgent tending to.  So, now hopefully every one is happy and healthy.  Let's get the show back on the road by covering Queen Elizabeth II's state visit to the Republic of Ireland.

Date:  17-20 May 2011
Place:  Ireland
Event:  UK State Visit to Ireland

Queen Elizabeth's outfits made a splash on her state visit to Ireland just over a month ago.  She was heavily praised for her sensitive wardrobe choices that signaled the extension of an olive branch in relations between the two nations.  Elizabeth certainly has a keen sense of fashion as a political statement, but credit in this case should very much be shared with Angela Kelly.  Kelly is the Queen's long-time assistant and clothier--she designed her radiant yellow outfit for William and Kate's wedding and is of Irish ancestry.  Applause to both Her Majesty and Ms. Kelly for coordinating this savvy wardrobe!

Upon arriving in Ireland, Her Majesty wore this jade green outfit by Stewart Parvin.

The matching hat was made by Rachel Trevor-Morgan (a favorite milliner of the Queen's).

She added Queen Victoria's bow brooch to accent her attire.

Later in the day, to visit the Garden of Remembrance, Elizabeth switched into a metallic pearl bouclé ensemble, edged with soft olive green flowers.

She accented this outfit with a ruby brooch for a splash of color.

The next day, the Queen and Prince Philip visited the Guinness Storehouse (where he was seen gazing longingly at a pint).

Then, she visited the Government Buildings in Merrion Street.

She wore an aqua-colored ensemble.

Then, she visited the National War Memorial Gardens where she laid a wreath.

Later in the day (after a quick-change), she arrived at Croke Park sports stadium along with Irish President Mary McAleese.  While yellow suits Her Majesty (and the floral dress and matching color motif on the hat are stylish), this double-breasted coat dress purportedly by Karl Ludwig does her no favors.

Finally, that day, the Queen was the guest of honor at a state dinner where she wowed the crowd with her speech (beginning in Irish).  Unfortunately, in her traditional white gown, the Queen looked less than stellar.  The gown was shapeless and the "fuzzy" shamrocks of the bodice added unnecessary bulk.

Astutely, she wore the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara to the affair to accompany the 2,091 shamrocks on her gown.

On her third day in Ireland, Queen Elizabeth managed to make the trip not just business but also pleasure by visiting the National Stud Farm--horses being a passion of the Queen's.

She looked radiant in a cornflower blue dress and coat with a stylish matching hat.  (Get a load of that massive sapphire!)

Later that day, she attended a British Embassy party at the National Convention Centre.

Again, Elizabeth went for a green themed-outfit--this time in brocade.

On her fourth and final day in Ireland, Her Majesty and Prince Philip visited the Rock of Cashel (again in green) . . . where apparently they were holding a silly faces contest.

Philip won.

She continued on to Cork where she visited an English market.  (I could be wrong, but I think they have those in England, too.)  I'm tempted to run a caption-this-photo contest.

This was the last stop on the Queen's tour before heading home, though she broke with the itinerary and went on an unscheduled walkabout in Cork.

All in all, it looks like Queen Elizabeth enjoyed her time in Ireland and that she accomplished her mission.  She seemed to mend a number of bridges in her actions, her words, and especially her clothing choices.

Stay tuned for more from Fashionably Royal.  There's been a frenzy of summer fashions that we'll be getting to soon!  Thanks for reading.