James Kon
Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended a private celebration of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Her Majesty the Queen Consort hosted by the British High Commission in Brunei Darussalam yesterday.
Held at the Radisson Hotel, the coronation in the UK was livestreamed for invited guests at the event.
Upon arrival, Her Royal Highness was welcomed by British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam John Virgoe and his spouse Tuti.
”Today is a historic occasion for the UK, and for the 14 other independent countries that have His Majesty King Charles III as their head of state, including Canada and Australia, and I welcome our Canadian and Australian friends here this evening,“ Virgoe said.
He added, ”I’m delighted that His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen are attending the coronation in London.
“Our royal families enjoy close ties of friendship. His Majesty King Charles III has visited Brunei four times, most recently in 2017. Brunei is represented in the coronation procession by a contingent from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, marching alongside representatives from other Commonwealth countries. Also in the procession will be members of the Royal Gurkha Rifles.”
The high commissioner also read out a personal message by His Majesty King Charles III to those celebrating around the world: “As my wife and I mark this special moment, we want to thank all of you in the Commonwealth and throughout the world, for your good wishes.
“We have been inspired by the community spirit displayed at coronation celebrations like this, and are deeply touched by the many similar events taking place across the globe.
“We want to express our warmest gratitude to all our friends for your kindness as we embark on this new chapter with you.”
Virgoe added that it was a pleasure to celebrate with members of the British community in Brunei, as well as the many Bruneian friends with connections to the UK.
“Our celebration aims to reflect tradition but also themes dear to our king: youth, community, diversity and sustainability,” he said.
The high commissioner also presented a token of appreciation to Her Royal Highness at the event.
Guests included government officials, high commissioners and ambassadors, business partners, non-governmental organisations, the British community in Brunei and UK alumni.
