British-Luxembourg Society Kicks Off Festive Season with Gala Dinner

On Saturday 23 November 2024, the British-Luxembourg Society (BLS) welcomed some 100 members and guests, including the British Embassy Deputy Head of Mission, Danial Shaikh, to the society's annual dinner at the Hôtel Le Royal in Luxembourg-Ville.

BLS President Darren Robinson hosted the evening, which celebrated the start of the Christmas season.

Following a cocktail with musical accompaniment by Jalo Sounds and then dinner, BLS Vice President Events Jacqui Spence introduced guest speaker Georges Friden, Luxembourg's London-based Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Jacqui explained that at last year's dinner, the BLS had welcomed Juliet Campbell, who had served as the British Ambassador to Luxembourg from 1988 to 1991. Ambassador Campbell had just published her memoirs entitled Playing Britannia, which gave a lively account of her time spent in the Grand Duchy and made for an entertaining after dinner speech, noted Jacqui.

A group from the BLS had visited London in September 2022, and Jacqui reminded the audience of that momentous moment which saw the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Ambassador Friden had hosted the group for a visit to the Embassy of Luxembourg in London. As Jacqui explained, he seemed to qualify as a perfect after dinner speaker, giving attendees an outsider's view of the United Kingdom.

The Ambassador talked about his unique experience, arriving at the time of the demise of a monarch, the formalities of the mourning period, funeral and subsequently the Coronation of King Charles III. He also talked about his early student days in Cambridge and the cultural differences.

At the end of his speech, the Loyal toasts were proposed, first to the Grand Duke by Luxembourg MP Dr Gérard Schockmel and then to King Charles by BLS Council Member Richard Aboboto.

The event was co-organised by Jacqui Spence and BLS Council Member Debbie McDonnell.