‘If I didn’t like the Queen ... I wouldn’t have travelled’

On meeting Queen Elizabeth: A trip north ends up with O’Gara being accused of disrespecting the monarch

Queen Elizabeth meeting Ronan O’Gara (right) and other members of the Irish Rugby Team at Hillsborough Castle. Photograph: Frank Miller/THE IRISH TIMES

Queen Elizabeth meeting Ronan O’Gara (right) and other members of the Irish Rugby Team at Hillsborough Castle. Photograph: Frank Miller/THE IRISH TIMES

The Ireland squad had been invited to an official congratulations ceremony with Her Majesty in recognition of the Grand Slam. I wouldn’t have much knowledge about the royal family, though I admired Princess Diana.

I met Prince William on Lions tours and after we beat Wales in Cardiff. He was approachable and friendly in the changing-rooms, and himself and Jessica got on well when they chatted. He told her that he hadn’t understood a word I’d said.

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