The Princess Royal has marked a significant double celebration in Singapore, attending a party for King Charles's upcoming birthday while also commemorating six decades of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Asian city-state.
A Timely Celebration at Eden Hall
Anne attended the occasion at Eden Hall, the official residence of the British High Commissioner to Singapore, on Wednesday. Addressing hundreds of guests, the Princess brought laughter from the crowd with a witty observation about the timing. "The timeliness of the celebration of His Majesty the King's birthday is strangely quite close to his actual birthday for a change," she said. "It's the end of this week. So, not bad." The King will indeed turn 77 years old on Friday.
Reflecting on a 'Remarkable Milestone'
The Princess Royal used the event to highlight the enduring partnership between the two nations. "This building in itself symbolises the United Kingdom's enduring diplomatic presence here in Singapore," she stated, referring to Eden Hall. She described the 60 years of diplomatic relations as a "remarkable milestone," offering a chance to reflect on the state of the relationship.
Anne shared a personal memory, recalling her first visit to Singapore with her mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, on a state visit in 1972. "I have never forgotten the warmth of that welcome," she told the assembled guests. Despite heavy rain, the event proceeded, with the Princess noting the vibrant British community of over 50,000 people in Singapore, whom she praised as "extraordinarily good ambassadors for our country."
Looking to the Future of UK-Singapore Relations
Drawing parallels between the two island nations, Anne pointed to a shared history of trade as a solid foundation for the future. "That level of common understanding and common history is a very good place to start a long-term modern relationship," she affirmed, expressing confidence in facing future challenges and seizing new opportunities together.
The celebration also featured a speech by British High Commissioner to Singapore, Nikesh Mehta, who emphasised the significance of the 60-year anniversary. "Over the past six decades visits by members of the royal family have been a constant and cherished feature," he said, noting that this was the Princess Royal's sixth visit, calling it a "testament to the enduring ties between our nations."
The Princess's two-day trip, made at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, underscores the UK's commitment to its relationship with Singapore, a nation which gained independence from Malaysia in August 1965, with the UK swiftly establishing formal diplomatic ties afterwards.
