British High Commission to Celebrate King Charles III’s Birthday in Freetown
Aminata Koroma The British High Commission in Freetown is set to welcome friends and partners from across Sierra Leone in seven days to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.
The celebration is expected to bring together leaders from government, business, civil society, development organisations, the diplomatic community and other stakeholders to recognise and celebrate the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone.
According to the British High Commission, the event will highlight the innovations, creativity, partnerships and people that continue to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
King Charles III has a historical connection with Sierra Leone, dating back to November 2006, when he visited the country as the Prince of Wales. His visit, which lasted less than 24 hours, marked the first visit by a member of the British Royal Family since Queen Elizabeth II visited Sierra Leone in 1961.
Upon his arrival at Lungi International Airport, he was welcomed by then President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and British High Commissioner Sarah MacIntosh. He also inspected a military guard of honour and received an African calabash from a young girl.
During the visit, the then Prince of Wales attended a cultural festival at the Freetown Golf Club at Lumley Beach, where he watched performances by the National Dance Group and participated in African drumming.
His engagements also included activities highlighting Sierra Leone’s recovery from civil conflict, watching a play addressing rainforest deforestation and attending a presidential reception.
His historical connection with Sierra Leone is also reflected in local institutions and educational landmarks, including the Prince of Wales Secondary School, which was named after his grandfather, alongside other historic educational and cultural connections in Freetown.
The upcoming celebration is expected to provide another opportunity to recognise the longstanding relationship between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom and the people and partnerships that continue to sustain it.