World news story

Ambassador offers a reception in honor of Her Majesty The Queen

The diplomatic missions of the United Kingdom around the world celebrate the national holiday.

This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government
Ambassador offers a reception in honor of Her Majesty The Queen

Her Majesty Ambassador (HMA) to the Dominican Republic, Chris Campbell, offered a reception to celebrate the official birthday of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II.The reception was held on 13 June at the Anacaona Hall of the Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino. The event honored the 65 years of Her Majesty’s reign, celebrating its ‘Sapphire Jubilee’.

British Embassy in Santo Domingo Staff.

After listening to the Dominican and British anthem, HMA Campbell delivered a speech. He stressed that the bilateral relationship between the Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom has been significantly strengthened by numerous visits and initiatives. Among them was the visit from London of Sir Alan Duncan, Minister for Europe and the Americas, in October 2016. He also emphasized the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of the Dominican Republic to access a substantial funding from the UK for the development of major projects in the country.

Her Majesty's Ambassador Chris Campbell delivered a speech.

The event was sponsored by:

  • Brugal & Co.
  • Diageo
  • Pernod Ricard
  • United Brands
  • El Luarqués

More than 400 guests from the government, diplomatic and consular corps, businesses, non-governmental organizations, British residents, press, media and opinion leaders honored the event with their presence.

More than 400 guests honored the event with their presence.

Background

The Queen’s Birthday is April 21 but is celebrated in the UK on the second Saturday of June. Diplomatic missions around the world can celebrate the week before or after this date. The birthday of the British Monarch is the national holiday of the United Kingdom. The reason why this national holiday is always held in June, regardless of the actual date of the birth of the Monarch, goes back to the reign of King Edward VII. His birthday was in November but he considered that a celebration in summer would be more appropriate.

Portrait of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II.

Princess Elizabeth ascended to the throne as Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II on February 6, 1952, following the death of her father, His Royal Highness King George VI. She was crowned on June 2, 1953. Her reign has been honored through the years through celebrations called ‘jubilees’:

  • the Silver Jubilee when she had 25 years of reign
  • the Gold Jubilee at 50 years in 2002
  • the Diamond Jubilee at 60 years in 2012

In 2017, she is the only British Monarch who has celebrated the Sapphire Jubilee for 65 years of reign. Indeed, her reign is the longest in the history of the United Kingdom. Recently, she has played several roles and witnessed numerous events. The Queen Elizabeth II made her first radio broadcast in October 1940 during World War II. In addition, Her Majesty has visited more than 115 countries, worked with thirteen presidents of the United States of America and fourteen British prime ministers, being the first of these Sir Winston Churchill.

The Queen's 91st Birthday.

Press Contact

Miriam Stern

Miriam.Stern@fco.gov.uk

Published 29 June 2017