The Embassy was proud to receive His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, as Guest of Honour, representing His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The Ambassador, Iain Lindsay, invited guests to join in loyal toasts to Her Majesty the Queen and to His Majesty the King. The Ambassador also paid tribute to the late Baroness Thatcher, whose funeral took place on 17 April, with a minute’s silence.
“In the last year we have seen strong progress in the bilateral relationship with Bahrain which saw visits to the UK by His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. 2013 marks the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen’s Coronation and we are marking this by showing a film tonight that recorded that memorable day. I am delighted that His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, has been able to join us this evening for a celebration of UK and Bahrain’s long and close friendship,” the Ambassador, Iain Lindsay said.
The theme of this year’s event was the GREAT Campaign, launched by Prime Minister David Cameron in September 2011 and designed to showcase the breadth of Britain’s strengths.
The Ambassador expressed his gratitude to British Airways, EuroMotors and HSBC for their generous sponsorship of the event. He also thanked the St. Christopher’s School choir, for performing during the evening, the crew members of HMS Shoreham and HMS Ramsey, and the Bugler and Pipers of the Public Security band.