Luxembourg’s British and Commonwealth communities gathered on Saturday, the 6^th of May, to celebrate the coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, of the United Kingdom.

More than 450 people attended an official event at St George’s International School Luxembourg, organized under the auspices of the British Embassy and supported by several other British groups. The Coronation Service was shown on big screens, while stands and activities with a distinctly British flavour were offered by the British Chamber of Commerce, the British Luxembourg Society, the British Ladies Club, the Anglican Church of Luxembourg, Telstar Scouts and British Girlguiding Overseas Luxembourg. The embassies of Ghana and Pakistan, both members of the Commonwealth, also joined the festivities, and Luxembourg’s Minister for Family Affairs and Integration, Corinne Cahen, attended.

British Ambassador to Luxembourg Fleur Thomas said it was important to mark this historic event and provide an avenue for Brits and Luxembourg residents to celebrate. “This coronation ceremony is a celebration of the unity and strength of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth; and I am proud to celebrate this historic event with the communities of Luxembourg today,” Ms Thomas said.

The coronation in London, which was watched by millions around the world, was attended by Luxembourg’s Grand-Duke Henri and Grand-Duchess Maria Teresa, members of Europe’s royal families, as well as foreign leaders and dignitaries.

Dr Christian Barkei said the school was proud to act as the venue for such a momentous event for Luxembourg’s British and Commonwealth communities. “St George’s is an international school, yet we are very proud of our British identity and background and see ourselves as a hub for the British community in Luxembourg. It has been an honour to host this event,” Dr Barkei said.

British Luxembourg resident Zoe Patmore attended the event and expressed why it was important to celebrate the coronation of the new king. “It is at these times one looks for a sense of belonging and community while overseas from our native country. That is how I feel within the community of St George’s. I remember Queen Elizabeth II’s jubilees over the years and it is important to me to try to offer the same memory opportunities to my children to reflect on in later life,” Mrs Patmore said.

Fellow Brit Rebecca Bermingham, who attended with her daughter Sarah, echoed Mrs Patmore’s sentiments. “My mother remembers celebrating the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II with my grandparents, who borrowed tables from neighbours and celebrated together in their living room because it was raining. That afternoon she watched a recording of the procession on a rare thing – a television owned by her neighbours. I’m here in Luxembourg now with her youngest grandchild, who may in turn share her own memories and witness future coronations.”