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The Brits really know how to put on a bash … with all the pomp and pageantry that goes with it alongside a party atmosphere.
The hottest ticket in town was a gathering to celebrate the 90th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the majestic grounds of the British Embassy in Manama.
The event was hosted by Britain’s ambassador to the kingdom, Simon Martin and his wife, Sophie, who personally met at the garden entrance and shook the hands of around 500 guests and dignitaries upon arrival.
Shaikh Isa took delight in conveying both His Majesty’s and the Kingdom of Bahrain’s warmest wishes to Queen Elizabeth and the people of Britain, saying that ‘the congratulatory messages extended from all corners of the globe demonstrate the world’s admiration and respect for Her Majesty’.
He went on to highlight that Bahrain’s well wishes were being delivered at a particularly ‘fitting juncture’, during a year in which the two celebrate the 200th anniversary of Bahrain-UK relations adding that the relations were ‘stronger than ever’ and the bicentennial partnership was ‘thriving’.
HMS Juffair, a new permanent British naval base, will open shortly and add to the UK’s strong defensive presence in the region.
As a graduate of the United Kingdom’s Britannia Royal Naval College, Shaikh Isa noted that his on-going service in the Royal Navy was an ‘invaluable source of preparation’ for his future with the Royal Bahrain Naval Force.
The British Navy presence was evident throughout the evening with the visiting Royal Marines Quintet performing fresh from a flying visit earlier in the week to the Lulu Hypermarket in Hidd helping to promote the recent BHUK 2016 food month.
The chefs from the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel kept the theme running by serving up some delightful dishes, including fish ’n’ chips, roast beef, cottage pie and even ice-cream 99s whipped up for dessert.
Other entertainment included the St Christopher’s Big Band featuring members of staff, students, former students, parents and others.
The British-curriculum school’s Arnold brass band, named after the composer Malcolm Arnold, also played with the Royal Marine’s brass section later on and the musical merriment continued with the Bahrain Defence Force Pipers & Drummers.
When Bahrain and the United Kingdom signed a Treaty of Friendship in 1816, few would have predicted the diplomatic, political, military and economic ties between the two kingdoms would endure for two centuries.
Ambassador Simon said: “2016 is a unique year for the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom, as we celebrate 200 years of friendship. We also mark Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday, in the year after she became our longest-reigning monarch. I was delighted to welcome so many British and Bahraini guests and friends of our two countries, to my first Queen’s Birthday Party here in Bahrain.”
He expressed his gratitude to BAE Systems for the Spitfire model on display, Euro Motors for driving along a sparkling Rolls-Royce, Range Rover, Jaguar and MINI manning the front gates and National Express for its bus parked up close by and for all their ‘generous sponsorship’ of the event. He also thanked the Royal Marines Band and the school students.
Judging by the images of royal, ministerial and diplomatic visits between the two island nations placed on display, the past warmth and friendship was clearly apparent. Last Wednesday’s garden party – the 93rd of 200 events planned for this year – added to the memories ensuring the relationship will prosper for many more years to come.
