This blog post was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Dominic Meiklejohn

Part of UK in USA [New York]

14th January 2011 New York, USA

Royal Rendezvous!

Guest blog: Lauren Stone, Vice Consul, Consumer Goods- UK Trade & Investment

I had a unique opportunity last night to be part of a group of spectators gathered to bid farewell to the Queen Victoria, Queen Mary 2, and Queen Elizabeth as they left New York Harbour. This was an historic occasion—only the second time the “Three Queens” had been together in New York and the first visit for the Queen Elizabeth. 

Gathering at the top of the Ritz Carlton Battery Park, a group of press, business leaders and travel professionals buzzed excitedly about the departure and fireworks that would soon illuminate the night sky. Despite frigid temperatures and bone-chilling wind, it was a clear night – and an ideal setting to send off these three beautiful Cunard vessels.

The ships are indeed magnificent, but they are also a symbol of the important UK/US relationship. Reflecting back on their history, the ships’ predecessors had a slightly different role; they were originally designed to support transatlantic communication and commerce.

Supporting the UK-US trading relationship remains as important now as it was when the Cunard Line began, and continues to add significant value to both countries. Today’s fleet provides an equally important role in supporting the British-American economies. Tourism via cruise ships and other means delivers millions of visitors to both of our shores each year.  As the UK prepares to host the London 2012 Olympic Games, the importance of tourism is even more present in our minds. 

And so the ships, filled with excited tourists, sailed away beneath a veil of lights. We all gathered our hot chocolates and bundled up in our warmest attire to witness the departure. And as the classical music and vibrant firework display commenced, smiles spread across everyone’s faces, and for maybe a brief moment, the cold didn’t seem so bad.

About Dominic Meiklejohn

I was born in Woking, outside London, in 1967 and attended Merton College, Oxford University, graduating in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. After university, I worked for HM Customs and Excise…

I was born in Woking, outside London, in 1967 and attended Merton College, Oxford University, graduating in Politics, Philosophy and Economics.

After university, I worked for HM Customs and Excise before joining the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1990. After working for the European Community Department, I learned Polish and began a posting at the British Embassy Warsaw, where I headed the British Know How Fund for Poland (1993-96). In 1997, I worked for the OSCE Mission in Albania, before heading up the India team in the South Asian Department of the FCO. In 2000, I was posted as First Secretary to the British Embassy Warsaw, with a particular focus on European Union issues in the run-up to Poland’s accession to the EU. In 2003, I returned to the UK as Deputy Head of the Environment Policy Department. From 2004-2005, I led the FCO’s Knowledge Management Programme. During this period, I led two deployments of the FCO’s Consular Rapid Deployment Team– to Sri Lanka, after the tsunami in 2004 and to Pakistan, after the earthquake in 2005. From 2006-2007, I served as Deputy Consul-General, Basra, Iraq. From June 2007 I worked with the FCO’s Change Unit.

I took up my current appointment on 22 January 2008. My wife Joanne and I are the proud parents of Olivia. Outside of the office, I cycle around Manhattan, play soccer (football) and, when parenting duties allow, enjoy the cultural riches offered by New York. I try hard to understand baseball.

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british consulate cunard new queens three york