British Ambassador Simon Thomas hosted the Queen’s Birthday Party in his residence in Zagreb, a celebration not only of Her Majesty’s 96th birthday, but also both her Platinum Jubilee – that’s 70 years on the throne – as well as the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Croatia. James Cleverly, UK Minister for Europe, joined the celebrations following his talks earlier in the day with the government in Croatia – his visit to Croatia being a further sign of the UK’s government’s commitment to strengthening UK-Croatia ties.
Photo: Goran Hrubi, UK Embassy
Some 400 people, from the government, the President’s office, Parliament, businesses, NGOs, media, political opposition, the Zagreb City, enjoyed the evening in the Ambassador’s residence in Zagreb, tasting both British and Croatian food and drinks, and toasting to The Queen.
‘’It is a remarkable achievement for any of us to reach the age of 96, and quite astonishing to have been on the throne for 70 years,’’ Ambassador Thomas said. ‘’The Queen has been an important figurehead for the UK and the Commonwealth during times of enormous social change, and devoted her whole life to the service of her people.’’
Photo: Goran Hrubi, UK Embassy
The party featured Andy Warhol’s famous portrait of The Queen and the Ambassador said he liked it ‘’because, rather like its subject, it is an iconic image, globally recognisable, which blends power with accessibility, history with modernity.’’
The party was also a celebration of the cooperation between the UK and Croatia over the past 30 years – in defence and security, culture, tourism, business, people to people links, shared values like democracy and freedom. Ambassador Thomas also emphasized the two countries’ ‘’close cooperation on standing up to Russia and supporting our friends in Ukraine.’’
‘’A serious partnership for serious times,’’ he said.
Photo: Goran Hrubi, UK Embassy
Minister Cleverly recalled how 70 years ago, a delegation from the Royal Court in London came to Croatia to pick a wine to be served at Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation and had chosen Traminac from Ilok. ‘’So it is fitting that we are gathered here today before the weekend of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, drinking excellent Croatian wine and celebrating the strong ties forged between our countries over the past 30 years.’’
The Minister joked that even a crushing World Cup defeat in 2018 could not damage the friendship.
