Queen answers Irish bid to turn Buckingham Palace green

'Moulin Vert' Some of the world's most famous sights will be going green on 17 March
Sydney Opera House gone green The greening of landmarks around the world is becoming a tradition across the world with the encouragement of Tourism Ireland
Green London Eye The London Eye has gone green in previous years
Prince's Palace in Monaco gone green The Prince's Palace in Monaco will join in the tradition again for St Patrick's Day 2013
21 The Queen has not given permission for a changing of the colour at her official London residence
A computer mock-up of Buckingham Palace gone green If she had, the result might have looked a little like this computer mock-up

Related Stories

Irish tourism chiefs who asked the Queen for a Saint Patrick's Day favour have received their answer.

They had asked the monarch to turn Buckingham Palace emerald green on the Irish national holiday.

The request is part of a campaign which sees some of world's landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and the pyramids, turn green on 17 March.

However, the Queen has decided not to give permission for a change of colour for her official London residence.

Niall Gibbons, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, said the organisation had received a "lovely letter" from Buckingham Palace.

"Her Majesty has sent 'good wishes to all those in Tourism Ireland working hard to promote the many attractions of Ireland north and south'," Mr Gibbons said on Twitter.

"While not lighting green on 17 March, the Queen's 'special affection for Ireland' (was) noted."

Global landmarks that are going green on 17 March include Niagara Falls, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Burj al Arab in Dubai, Table Mountain in South Africa, New York's Empire State Building and Berlin's TV Tower.

More on This Story

Related Stories

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites

Features & Analysis

  • Pilots who survived WWII crash on glacierDisaster on ice Watch

    Incredible survival story of WWII crash pilots who beat Arctic winter


  • Michael HastingsRenegade reporter

    Divisive legacy of Rolling Stone journalist Michael Hastings


  • Peanut butter sandwichBad tip?

    Readers' tipping nightmares and fairytales


  • Worshipper at Mount OlympusYe gods

    The Greeks who want to bring back Zeus


Elsewhere on the BBC

  • Low cost carriersBudget boom

    What are the secrets of success of low-cost airlines Ryanair and Easyjet?

Programmes

  • Michael HanekeTalking Movies Watch

    Documentary probes the enigma of Amour film-maker Michael Haneke

BBC © 2013 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.