AN IRISH schoolgirl received one heck of surprise this week after a letter came through the post from none other than Jacinta Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Lily, who has since turned 12, had written to Mrs Ardern last Spring when the first Covid-19 lockdowns were in force.
As part of a school project, she was told she had to send a letter to a leader, and decided to send one to the leader of New Zealand.
It took nearly a year, but Ardern's charming reply finally arrived in Ireland, much to the delight of little Lily.
Her father Philip shared a photo of the response on twitter, where the politician said Lily's words had "brightened up my day."
The letter reads: "Dear Lily, Thank you so much for your letter. I’m sorry it has taken a while to get back to you, it’s been a busy few months unfortunately.
During the first lockdown last spring, our then 11-year-old had to write a letter to a leader for school. She chose @jacindaardern . Well, after “a busy few months” (!) for the NZ PM, Lily was delighted to get a personal reply! Great at leading, lockdowns & letters 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/E7WrRWBuNY
— Philip Bromwell (@philipbromwell) March 3, 2021
"I appreciate you taking the time to write — your kind words meant a lot and they really brightened up my day!
"I hope you and your family are staying safe in Ireland, please pass on my best wishes to them."
"Thanks for writing, Lily. Kindest regards, Jacinda Ardern.
Lily's father, who is an RTÉ journalist, wrote alongside the picture: "During the first lockdown last Spring, our then 11-year-old had to write a letter to a leader for school.
"She chose @JacindaArdern. Well, after "a busy few months" for the NZ PM, Lily was delighted to get a personal reply!
"Great at leading, lockdown & letters."
