The British Embassy in Luxembourg hosted its annual Queen’s Birthday Party (QBP) on 9 June. This year’s edition was a special one, as it was in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Her Majesty The Queen is the first monarch to celebrate 70 years of service to the UK and the Commonwealth.
Her Majesty has a historic and personal connection to Luxembourg and its Grand Ducal Family. Queen Elizabeth II visited Luxembourg in 1976, while HRH Grand Duke Jean was appointed Colonel of the Irish Guards in 1984 and was often seen riding behind HM The Queen during the Trooping of the Colour. As part of the celebration, the Embassy curated a special Jubilee exhibition commemorating Her Majesty’s 70-year long reign and close connection to Luxembourg.
Guests at this year’s QBP included government officials, representatives of other embassies, and members of Luxembourg’s vibrant business and civic communities. British food and drink were served throughout the evening, including the winning Platinum Jubilee Trifle and Her Majesty’s favourite chocolate cake.
A vintage double decker bus, two Irish Guards and a special appearance by Paddington Bear himself completed the theme of the night.
During the event, Ambassador Fleur Thomas reflected on Her Majesty’s 70 years of service and the future of the UK-Luxembourg relations.
The Ambassador said:
“We’re here to celebrate not only the Queen’s official birthday, but also her Platinum Jubilee. Her Majesty has had a wonderful 70 years as her Majesty The Queen and as Head of the Commonwealth; and for that we must be very proud indeed.”
Ambassador Thomas thanked PwC Luxembourg for sponsoring the Queen’s Birthday Party and for helping deliver the first large scale event since the pandemic.
She also took the opportunity to officially congratulate Ms Laura Shaw, the winner of the embassy’s first “Ambassador for a Day” winner, whose essay on gender equality was selected among many great submissions. Ms Shaw will be able to spend a workday with Ambassador Thomas and take a look behind the scenes of the world of diplomacy.
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© British Embassy / Kary Barthelemey
