In London scenes which brought people to the streets in their thousands to celebrate 60 Great British years of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
In Warsaw a superb tribute to Her Majesty set against a backdrop of two iconic sporting events – living football and anticipating London’s 2012 Olympiad. A splendid occasion, a kaleidoscope of red, white and blue – a British street in the grounds of the British Embassy Warsaw – an international celebration of unique and Great Britishness.
Guests arriving in a Rolls and Bentley dating back to the time of the coronation. Two world leading JCB’s adorned with celebratory bunting creating a welcome arch Uttoxeter would be proud of. The start of a journey down a street of Great British brands, culinary and sporting excellence. Lotus, Aston Martin and fine British cheese. Jubilee cocktails, excellent draught beer, strawberries and cream and Intercontinental Scottish smoked salmon. A pictorial tribute to Her Majesty’s reign adorning the route. 1000 invited guests celebrating The Queen’s birthday and a blossoming British Polish relationship.
What a superb programme of entertainment. A particular highlight of the evening was HMA Robin Barnett taking on Senator Andrzej Person in a 500m pre London 2012 Great British Polish Rowing Championship, Robin taking the chequered flag 8 seconds before his rival. A huge cheer in anticipation of the London Olympiad which starts next month – a fantastic time to visit Britain.
This was undoubtedly the best Diamond Jubilee Birthday Party Warsaw has ever seen. The blend of a street party in an exclusive garden, a Royal occasion and the anticipation of an Olympic London. Take part in the Diamond Jubilee rowing championship, mingling amongst a star studded cast of guests and a scintillating programme fit for The Queen. I enjoyed two traditional British dishes, fish and chips and a spicy curry followed by a great cup of Twining’s tea.
A by the minute programme – the essential formalities proudly led by the Ambassador and an excellent review of the last 60 years. The Diamond Jubilee, a Royal Birthday and two like-minded nations coming together to celebrate a unique historical relationship. A Royal Toast and three cheers for the UK in Poland on a day when we were all proud to be traditionally British.