A Royal Affair: UK High Commission Hosts Grand Celebration in Honor of King Charles III’s Birthday

On Thursday, 14th November, the UK High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E Lisa Chesney MBE, hosted a grand reception at her official residence in Nakasero to mark His Majesty King Charles III’s birthday. This event not only celebrated the monarch’s birthday but also highlighted the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and Uganda.

The event was attended by a diverse array of dignitaries, government officials, diplomats, business leaders, politicians, members of the media, British nationals residing in Uganda, and prominent figures from the fields of arts, education, research, business, and sports. The guest of honor for the evening was Uganda’s Foreign Minister General Haji Abubaker Jeje Odongo.

The King’s Birthday Party is a global celebration held by British High Commissions around the world. This year’s celebration was particularly significant as it marked H.E Lisa Chesney MBE’s first since assuming her role in October 2024. In her speech, she highlighted the significance of the relationship between Uganda and the United Kingdom, and the immense opportunities the two countries are yet to explore.

King Charles III’s connection with Uganda is profound, as he visited the country in 2007 for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). His stay included a tour of the Mabira Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park, where he expressed his admiration for Uganda’s rich biodiversity. Additionally, several places in Uganda have been named after British royalty, reflecting historical ties, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Rwenzori Mountains, sometimes called the “Mountains of the Moon.”

The event featured a vibrant display of British food, drink, and culture, along with a fashion show themed ‘Fashioning the Future,’ an installation through the British Council’s CDNA program. Designers such as Nina Mire, Veryl Designs, Njola Designs, and IGC Fashion showcased their creations. As part of the showcase, High Commissioner Lisa Chesney wore a printed dress by Shurea Yasmin, a budding Ugandan designer.

Satisfashionug@gmail.com