British Ambassador Hosts King Charles' Birthday Celebration

It was a full house for the birthday celebration of King Charles III of the United Kingdom at the British Ambassador's Residence in Luxembourg-Ville on Thursday evening.

Many members of the expatriate and local communities with links to the United Kingdom, as well as politicians and ambassadors, among others, gathered on this sunny evening in the residence gardens overlooking the Pétrusse Valley.

Also in attendance at this evening reception was special guest Leo Docherty, British Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Europe, who will meet with Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, to discuss bilateral relations between the UK and the EU, among other topics, on Friday 16 June 2023.

Following the singing of the national anthems of both Luxembourg and the UK, there were speeches by British Ambassador Fleur Thomas and Leo Docherty.

Ambassador Thomas highlighted the "countless achievements" of King Charles III over the years, including during his time as Prince of Wales, and recalled the successful celebration in Luxembourg of his coronation; she thanked all those involved in this community event on 6 May 2023, not least St George's International School Luxembourg for hosting the celebrations.

The British Ambassador to Luxembourg went on to highlight the importance of continued solidarity with Ukraine, in supporting "democracy" and "stability" and in upholding the principles on international law. She recognised the "outstanding" work of LUkraine asbl (whose President Nicolas Zharov and Vice President Inna Yaremenko were also in attendance), noting that the Luxembourg non-profit "carr[ies] on [its] shoulders the burden of this war".

For his part, Leo Docherty said he was "honoured" to be at this celebration - he was particularly impressed by the presence of two Irish Guards and the iconic red Routemaster double-decker bus which was available to transport attendees between the residence and Glacis in Luxembourg-Limpertsberg. He praised Ambassador Thomas, whose "courage, activity and diplomatic panache [were] on full display" at this event.

The British Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Europe went on to describe Luxembourg as "a beacon" for several causes dear to King Charles III's heart, including a "diverse and tolerant society", how it takes care of the environment and looks towards a sustainable future and its role as a "committed and responsible" actor on the world stage. He stressed that the UK and Luxembourg must continue to work together to protect their shared values and continue to support Ukraine. He ended his speech with a toast to King Charles III, to Luxembourg and to the "deep friendship" between the two countries.

In addition to networking and catching up over finger food (including British specialties like fish and chips and Ukrainian desserts), drinks and music, attendees could learn more about local nature conservation efforts at the natur&ëmwelt stand. Ambassador Thomas had noted during her speech that it was thanks to the NGO that the residence was now equipped with several birdboxes.

Note that King Charles III, like the late Queen Elizabeth II before him, celebrates two birthdays: his actual day of birth in November and a larger public celebration at "Trooping the Colour" (or the "King's Birthday Parade") in June.