The Queen of England has formally thanked the people of the Rebel County of Cork for their warm welcome last month.

Queen Elizabeth has written to the Mayor of Cork Michael O’Connell to thank his fellow Leesiders for their hospitality.

The Queen surprised her security staff when she briefly went walkabout in the city’s Grand Parade after her visit to the historic English market.

She was amazed at the welcome she received from the thousands who thronged the streets of Rebel Cork for a chance to see the 85-year-old British monarch.

Now the Queen has written to O’Connell via her deputy private secretary at Buckingham Palace, Edward Young.

The letter, which arrived on Monday, said: “Please would you tell the people of Cork that the warmth of their welcome was deeply moving and greatly appreciated.

“Her Majesty has asked me to say that her visit was particularly memorable and she extends her thanks for the gifts she received on her visit, including a brooch, a hamper full of products traditionally sold at the English Market and a book detailing the history of the shopping district.

“The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have asked me to thank you for your support in making their visit to the English Market such a memorable occasion.

“It was such a colorful and lively visit, as well as a wonderful opportunity for Her Majesty and His Royal Highness to meet members of the public.”

Good wishes from the Queen were also extended to Cork City Council staff, police, traders and all those ‘involved in making the visit such a success’ according to the Irish Examiner.

Tourism in Cork is already reaping the benefits of the Queen’s visit with searches for Cork on the hotels.com website up 74 per cent in May.