Queen in Northern Ireland

by Tom Sykes Jun 26, 2012 11:35 AM EDT

Queen meets survivors of IRA bombing

147325423CJ009_THE_QUEEN_VI — Queen Elizabeth II waves to wellwishers as she and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visit Macartin's Cathedral in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. (Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images)

The Queen today met relatives of the victims of an IRA bombing in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Enniskillen was the scene of one of the worst atrocities of the Troubles when 11 people were killed on Remembrance Sunday in 1987.

The Queen and Prince Philip are on a two-day visit to Northern Ireland as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour. Tomorrow, the Queen will shake hands with former IRA man Martin McGuinness.

Stephen Gault, who was injured in the bombing, and whose father, Samuel, was killed, said he was honoured to have met the Queen.

"It highlights the point that the Enniskillen victims will not be forgotten, when Her Majesty the Queen made time in her hectic schedule, in her Jubilee year to come to Enniskillen," he said.

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Tom Sykes is a writer and journalist, and he edits The Royalist blog for the Daily Beast. Tom has worked for many publications, including a stint as a nightlife reporter and gossip columnist for the New York Post. He has written several books, most recently helping John Taylor of Duran Duran write and edit his autobiography, published by Dutton. Tom lives in London and Ireland.

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About the Author

Tom Sykes

THE ROYALIST, updated several times daily, reports on all aspects of the British Royal Family. With breaking news and the latest gossip, great pictures and informed commentary, the Royalist is essential eyeballing for fans of the world’s most famous family.