The British High Commission in Cameroon hosted a gala dinner to mark King Charles III’s 76th birthday at the gardens of the British Residence in Bastos, Yaounde on Thursday November 21 – a week after the monarch’s actual birthday.
A wide range of dignitaries including Government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished academics, the media, civil society and business leaders joined the British community at the event. Felix Mbayu, Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in Charge of the Commonwealth led the members of government.
In his remarks, the British High Commissioner to Cameroon, Matt Woods (Full name: Matthew David Woods), who arrived the country only seven weeks ago said the monarch’s birthday is a very special moment for the British people all around the world.
“The monarchy is a very important part of our identity, our national identity… it’s lovely to see so many people here tonight”, the High Commissioner said.
The King, like his late mother Queen Elizabeth II, celebrates two birthdays – November 14, which is his actual birthday, while his official one falls on the second Saturday in June.
The UK envoy highlighted that the bilateral relationship between London and Yaounde has grown to new levels spanning sectors such as trade, defence, the fight against climate change and the preservation of Cameroon’s remarkable biodiversity, describing the ties as “broad, deep and historic”.
Guest were treated to diverse catering with classic British roast dinner and Cameroonian cuisine, reflecting the broad diversity of Britain. The menu included fish and chips, chicken tikka brochettes, roasted beef on stick (soya) and vegetarian brochette, all washed down with gin, whisky, wine and other less potent beverages.
Beyond the birthday celebration, the event reinforced the entrenched and evolving partnership between the UK and Cameroon with various British companies such as Diageo, Standard Chartered, Savannah Energy, Oriole Resources and Globeleq among others showcasing their products and services.
Both the UK and Cameroon are members of the Commonwealth. Last month Cameroon’s Prime Minister was in Samoa where he joined his UK counterpart and of course King Charles and others for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.
