To mark this historic event a lavish and enjoyable reception with a “street party” feel (which included tables serving classic British foods, beers and wines), was held at the Embassy on Wednesday May 3. International, Ethiopian and African Union diplomat’s, dignitaries and other VIPs were invited to attend the reception with an anticipated attendance of around 800 people. There was a speech by the British Ambassador Darren Welch reflecting on and highlighting the positive relationship between Great Britain and Ethiopia over the years. The Ambassador focussed on the Kings commitment to and passion for the environment, including an invitation for guests to plant wildflower seeds in a section of the Embassy grounds to commemorate the Coronation.
At the reception, an outdoor fashion show was held featuring innovative and attractive designs created by young Ethiopian designers from the British Councils “Creative DNA Ethiopia: Supporting Ethiopian Fashion Enterprises” programme. Models emerged through a classic red phone box and holding umbrellas which was a nice touch but luckily the rain did hold off for the event. The fashion show celebrated two themes close to the King’s heart, sustainability and youth. The fashion show was organised by the British Government in collaboration with the British Council. The aim of the fashion show was to raise awareness about sustainable fashion and showcase the UK as a lead supporter of climate action initiatives
A young Queen Elizabeth and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh had visited the British Embassy and enjoyed a memorable state visit to Ethiopia in 1965 on an eight-day visit to the country. The state visit was being made in return for the Emperor of Ethiopia visiting London when Sir Winston Churchill had been Prime Minister. Britain had also hosted the Emperor and his family for four years of exile during the Italian occupation. Roads were named after three British generals (Wavell, Wingate, and Cunningham) who were recognised for helping to liberate Ethiopia from the Italians. In 1965 Prince Charles undertook the first of many public engagements. During his time as Prince of Wales, Charles undertook numerous official duties on behalf of the Queen while in waiting to become King.
On the 1965 state visit a large banner had proclaimed “Long Live the Friendship between Great Britain and Ethiopia” which still remains 58 years later. Ethiopia has enjoyed close economic, diplomatic and cultural relations with the United Kingdom for decades. Great Britain was also among the first countries to open an embassy in Addis Ababa, while Ethiopia was the first African country to establish an embassy in London.
Photo Credits: Photo Credits: The British Embassy, Addis Ababa Ethiopia