British in Spain celebrate 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II

BRITISH clubs and societies throughout Axarquia and Spain in general celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

In similar, but perhaps more fancy fashion, hundreds of government, business and civil society representatives joined the British Embassy in Madrid to mark the event.

At the climax of a four-day weekend of Diamond Jubilee celebrations in the United Kingdom, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Spain, Giles Paxman and Mrs Segolene Paxman welcomed more than 500 guests to their official residence in Madrid to celebrate 60 years of unfailing service by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

An exhibition of portraits of HM The Queen by royal photographer Sir Cecil Beaton, Andy Warhol and well-known British artists demonstrates the changes in the relationship between The Queen and the British people over 60 years, and sheds light on how the United Kingdom has transformed itself into the energetic, dynamic and globally connected society it is today.

During the Queen’s reign, Britain has renewed its reputation as a world leader in science, engineering, finance and design.

At the same time it has preserved its extraordinary heritage and fostered its tight bonds with many nations across the world.

It is this combination of innovation and tradition that sums up a country that will this summer welcome people from all over the globe to London 2012, the first sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Games.

At the reception, Ambassador Giles Paxman said: “The Queen has seen Great Britain transformed.

The marvellous photo exhibition that we have here today shows how the Queen has changed over 60 years. But Britain has changed with her – its people, its politics, its culture and fashions. We have welcomed new Britons from across the world. Each community has added to the spirit of energy and diversity that drives our country.

“Spain too, has changed immeasurably over the period. During Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, Spain has witnessed the transition to democracy, the birth of the modern Constitution and the return of its own Royal Family.

“Over 60 years Spain and Britain have grown closer together, making Spain the destination of choice for British people to live, work and go on holiday. Our two countries are close partners in trade and investment, international security and in Europe. I am proud of the work that the British Embassy and our network of Consulates around the country does every day to support this vital and positive relationship.” A quintet from the Reina Sofia School of Music played a selection of classical, 60s and contemporary musical pieces throughout the evening.

The four-day celebration in the UK has included the Queen’s visit to the Epsom Derby, a climax of the horse-racing calendar; a 1,000-boat pageant down the River Thames through London that was watched by more than a million people; and street parties and community lunches across Britain.

The ‘Union Flag’ is decorating cities, shops and streets across the country as Britain now prepares for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Photo credit: UK in Spain flickr.com

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