A royal toast to shared values
The British Embassy in Manila recently hosted a celebration marking the official birthday of His Majesty King Charles III at the Makati Shangri-La. The event gathered diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and civil society partners, to honor a monarch known for his lifelong commitment to environmental sustainability, youth, and community.
Guests reflected on the King’s deep respect for tradition and his vision for a more inclusive and resilient future—values shared by the Filipino people.
The evening also highlighted a year of growing UK-Philippines cooperation. Recent milestones included high-level visits, the launch of an Enhanced Partnership framework, and expanded collaboration in trade, security, climate, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. People-to-people ties continued to flourish, with more Filipino students heading to the UK and increased cultural exchange.
In her final address as envoy, UK Ambassador Laure Beaufils thanked partners and reflected on her four memorable years in the Philippines. She spoke of the warmth and generosity she encountered across the country and expressed her lasting affection for Filipino values and community spirit. While her posting may be ending, she promised to remain a lifelong ambassador for the Philippines.
