Celebrating a nature-loving king
The British Embassy in Manila hosted a vibrant celebration last June 18 at Blue Leaf, Mckinley Hill, Taguig City, to mark the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, emphasizing the deepening friendship between the UK and the Philippines.
In her address, UK Ambassador Laure Beaufils explained that while King Charles III’s actual birthday is in November, the embassy was celebrating the King’s official birthday in June, a tradition established by George II in 1748. This shift was intended to align with the annual Trooping the Color parade in London, allowing for a warmer and more festive celebration.
The ambassador praised King Charles III for his dedication to environmental sustainability and his appreciation of tradition and history. She highlighted the King’s advocacy for the circular economy and natural capital, as well as his recent speech marking the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, which resonated with the values of independence and freedom shared by both the UK and the Philippines.
The celebration underscored the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. Recent high-level engagements, including President Marcos’ attendance at the King’s coronation, visits by British and Philippine officials and collaborative efforts in various sectors such as education, health care, and climate change, were noted as key elements of the flourishing relationship.
Beaufils also acknowledged the growing cultural exchange between the UK and the Philippines, mentioning recent British musical acts and the vibrant people-to-people connections that continue to blossom.
She also expressed gratitude to all who contribute to the strengthening of UK-Philippines relations, emphasizing the importance of personal and institutional connections in fostering mutual growth and cooperation.
