British High Commission celebrates King’s Birthday
British High Commission New Delhi will host the King’s Birthday Party (KBP) today to pay tribute to The King as the UK’s Head of State with the best of British arts, culture and green innovation on display.
The last time the UK celebrated a KBP was in 1951. His Majesty King Charles III was born in 1948 and became heir apparent on the accession of Queen Elizabeth II in 1952. In addition to his official and ceremonial duties in the UK and overseas, His Majesty has championed a wide range of causes relating to the environment and sustainable development, the arts, healthcare and education for decades.
Today’s celebrations will feature food and drink from the 4 UK nations, performances by British popstar RIKA (Chandrika Darbari) and New Delhi based femme collective Coven Code. Exhibitors at the event include the British Asian Trust, which supports sustainable solutions across the subcontinent and was founded by His Majesty in 2007. A wide range of dignitaries from the Government of India, representatives from Commonwealth nations, business leaders, and eminent personalities from the fields of diplomacy, arts, education, research, business, and sports are also expected to attend.
Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, said:
His Majesty the King has devoted his life to service; establishing more than 20 charities over four decades. He has worked tirelessly for the United Kingdom around the world, including his enduring interest in promoting a modern partnership with India and its people. It is a privilege to celebrate his birthday with friends here in New Delhi.
This year’s KBP has been organised with the gracious support of Hindustan Unilever Limited, HSBC India, Inmarsat, Haleon, Tide, Virgin Atlantic, British Council, UKIBC, Rolls Royce India, Diageo India, William Grant and Sons, Beam Suntory, BeVeg, Pladis Global, Bira 91, and London Essence.
Further information
- free-to-use high resolution images from the event will be uploaded to our Flickr page on 16 March
- The King’s Birthday Party is celebrated by British Embassies and High Commissions around the world
- the Coronation of His Majesty the King, a once-in-a-generation event, will take place at Westminster Abbey on 6 May. It is expected to be the most significant cultural event of 2023, with leaders and dignitaries from across the globe invited to attend
- The King’s Birthday falls on 14 November, but his official Birthday in 2023 will be marked on 17 June, when The King’s Birthday Parade (also known as Trooping The Colour) is held in London
- His Majesty has undertaken 10 official visits to India, most recently in November 2019 when he visited New Delhi and Mumbai to celebrate British-India connections with a focus on sustainable markets, climate change and social finance
Media
For media queries, contact:
David Russell, Head of Communications
Press and Communications, British High Commission,
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021. Tel: 24192100
Media queries: BHCMediaDelhi@fcdo.gov.uk
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