Celebrating a monarch of dignity and inspiration for 60 years of service to the UK and the Commonwea

The British High Commission in Colombo (BHC) marked 60 years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II on 31 May. The special reception at Westminster House celebrated the Queen’s service as Head of the UK and the Commonwealth, the incredible personal impact she has had on so many lives and the enduring strong ties between Sri Lanka and the UK.

The celebration – re-creating the atmosphere of a traditional British street party – included a vintage 1950s Daimler parked on the front lawn of Westminster House, a gallery of photographs and other memorabilia from the Queen’s visits to Sri Lanka as well as an 18-piece brass ensemble and a coconut shy for guests’ entertainment.

Speaking to his guests, British High Commissioner John Rankin said: “Over the last 60 years, the world has seen many changes. Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee also celebrates the fact that Britain, Sri Lanka and the rest of the world have adapted to these changes – through innovation, resourcefulness and not losing sight of the traditions that have given us our foundations. This summer, we will be showcasing modern Britain to the world, not only during these celebrations of Her Majesty, but also during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.”    

The High Commissioner placed special emphasis on the continuing ties between Sri Lanka and the UK.  These ties are rooted in a shared past, but have a modern and dynamic present and future. He said: “Today is an opportunity to celebrate all the things that bring Sri Lanka and the UK together. Our modern relationship is a broad and deep one, ranging from multi-million pound contracts to person-to-person links; embracing a shared history of trade links, culture and sports. This relationship is based on mutual respect, shared Commonwealth values and strong cultural connections. As a friend of Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom will continue to support all efforts to promote reconciliation and a sustainable peace in this country.” The British High Commission also ran a Facebook competition to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, asking people to write, in 60 words, what the Commonwealth means to them. The many entries highlighted the depth of ordinary Sri Lankans’ engagement with the Commonwealth and deep affection and respect for Her Majesty. The winner, Crishantha Peiris won an invitation to the Diamond Jubilee celebration.  The Diamond Jubilee party was generously sponsored by HSBC, Marks and Spencer and the London Stock Exchange.  The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 is a year-long celebration that began in February 2012, marking 60 years of the Queen’s reign. Queen Elizabeth II is only the second monarch in British history to celebrate 60 years on the throne, the first being Queen Victoria.

The Queen acceded to the thrones of seven countries upon the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952. She is today queen of 16 sovereign states, 12 of which were British colonies or Dominions at the start of her reign. The Queen’s Coronation took place on 2 June 1953.

Her Coronation Gown took eight months of research, design and workmanship because of its intricate embroidery and was designed by Normal Hartnell.

The final version featured the floral emblems of the countries of the United Kingdom and those of the other states within the Commonwealth of Nations, namely the English Tudor rose, Scots thistle, Welsh leek, Irish shamrock, Canadian maple leaf, Australian wattle, New Zealand silver fern, South African protea, lotus flowers for India and (then) Ceylon and Pakistan’s wheat, cotton and jute.