King Charles III’s birthday celebrated in Yerevan

The British Embassy in Armenia held a formal reception to celebrate King Charles III’s birthday, bringing together representatives of the Armenian government and foreign embassies in Armenia, as well as political and cultural figures.

The event took place on 12 November at the National Gallery of Armenia and opened with the national anthems of Armenia and the United Kingdom. The occasion gave the embassy an opportunity to reflect on the friendship between the two countries and their growing ties.

“Some of you know that this is my first time celebrating the King’s birthday as British ambassador. So, as any sensible person would, I asked colleagues around the world for advice and suggestions. What they mostly reminded me was that, after all, this is a birthday, not a national day. We are here today to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday and the exceptional cooperation the embassy has enjoyed with each of you. It has been a busy year, full of memorable moments and significant achievements across different areas of our relationship,” said Alexandra Cole, the British Ambassador to Armenia.

Cole said it had been a wonderful year for the United Kingdom and Armenia, with many successes, and expressed hope that the two countries would continue to build on them. She also thanked several private companies for their ongoing support, saying that events like this would be harder to organise without them.

“I thank the embassy team not only for organising this event, but also for a year of hard work, many achievements and joyful moments. You are the best team any ambassador could wish for,” Cole said before handing over to Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan.

Grigoryan said it was a great honour to welcome those present on behalf of the Armenian government and to offer congratulations on the official celebration of His Majesty King Charles III’s birthday.

“I am pleased to note that relations between Armenia and the United Kingdom continue to develop, based on the universal values that unite us. The establishment of a strategic partnership between our countries this year was an important milestone and provides a firm political foundation for further mutually beneficial cooperation across a range of sectors. The development of the economic dimension of our partnership is particularly welcome. I am confident that Armenia and the United Kingdom will build on the significant progress in our bilateral relations, deepening cooperation and turning our shared efforts into tangible results,” the deputy prime minister said.

Charles III was born at Buckingham Palace in London and became heir to the throne at the age of three when his mother, Elizabeth II, acceded to the throne following the death of King George VI. He was educated at home and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cambridge in 1970 and a master’s degree in 1975.

He served in the armed forces from 1971 to 1976, completing helicopter pilot training and serving in the navy. He currently holds the rank of field marshal.

He was made Prince of Wales in 1958, and his formal investiture took place in 1969.

He undertakes charitable work and carries out the traditional duties of a member of the royal family. He is a member of the Church of England.

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022, Prince Charles became King Charles III. His coronation took place on 6 May 2023.