King Charles thanks Sinn Fein's O'Neill for 'incredibly kind' words

King Charles III meeting Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker Alex Maskey and Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O'Neill at Hillsborough Castle, Co Down. Picture date: Tuesday September 13, 2022. Niall Carson/Pool via REUTERS

BELFAST (Reuters) - King Charles on Tuesday thanked Sinn Fein's leader in Northern Ireland for her "incredibly kind words" about his mother Queen Elizabeth, the latest sign of warmth between the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army and the crown.

Michelle O'Neill issued a statement following the Queen's death last week saying she was "grateful for Queen Elizabeth's significant contribution and determined efforts to advancing peace and reconciliation" and that she "led by example."