A speech by The Countess of Wessex at The Queen’s Birthday Party in Lebanon
Published
It has been a privilege to experience the famous Lebanese hospitality and culture for the first time, and I am very pleased to join you tonight to celebrate the strong and growing partnership between our two nations.
"I am honoured and delighted to be in Lebanon representing the British Royal Family and I am grateful to the Embassy for their help in putting this visit together.
It has been a privilege to experience the famous Lebanese hospitality and culture for the first time, and I am very pleased to join you tonight to celebrate the strong and growing partnership between our two nations. Standing shoulder to shoulder, our collective security, our prospects for prosperity and our determination for a more peaceful world has never been more significant.
As part of my visit, I have met with Lebanese and Syrian women who have been subjected to sexual and gender based violence, to hear the stories of their struggles against the stigma they suffer, their survival and their hopes for the future. I am committed to supporting the UK’s efforts to work with the survivors of Gender based violence and to change attitudes towards those who fall victim through no fault of their own.
I have also been fortunate to meet a number of women from civil society engaged in peace-building and mediation around the world. Their voices are not being sufficiently heard and their full participation in peace processes is not happening. This evening I would like to pay tribute to the women I have met who remain determined to break through these barriers so they may take their rightful place in securing peace, wherever that may be.
But before I finish, a very special member of the British Royal Family has a few words for you, it is therefore my honour and pleasure to read a personal message to the people of Lebanon from Her Majesty The Queen.
“I am delighted that my daughter-in-law is with you this evening.
The United Kingdom recognises Lebanon as a symbol of diversity, tolerance and resilience, and I hope that the strong bond of friendship between our two countries will continue for many years.
Prince Philip and I send our warmest good wishes to the people of Lebanon, and to all those attending this evening’s reception
ELIZABETH R.”
Related content
A message from The Queen on the 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge (French)
Nous avons le devoir de nous souvenir et d’honorer Ia mémoire de ceux qui ont servi vaillamment et qui ont tant donné ici, sur la crete de Vimy, et tout au long de la Premiere...
A message from The Queen on the 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge
It is our duty to remember and honour those who served so valiantly and who gave so much here at Vimy Ridge and throughout the First World War.
The Queen's message to The President of Colombia, following the flooding and landslides in Mocoa
Prince Philip and I were deeply saddened to learn of the devastating flooding and landslides in Mocoa this weekend.
The Queen addresses The Royal Lancers at Windsor Castle
You have established yourselves as a unified Regiment and a force without match
Message to Acting Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service Craig Mackey
My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected by yesterday's awful violence.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visit the Charterhouse's new development in London
28 February 2017A message from The Queen on the sixth anniversary of the Canterbury Earthquake in New Zealand
I hope that the new memorial will provide a place to remember, to grieve for what is lost, and to give thanks for what remains
The Queen's message of condolence to the President of Turkey
Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and the wounded, and with the Turkish people at this time.
A message from The Queen to the people of Canada
I am delighted to offer all Canadians my best wishes and congratulations on the 150th anniversary of Confederation
A message from The Queen to the people of Canada (written in French)
C’est un plaisir pour moi de transmettre mes meilleurs voeux et mes félicitations aux Canadiens et Canadiennes à l’occasion du 150e anniversaire de la Confédération
The Christmas Broadcast
A message from Her Majesty The Queen to the people of Barbados on the 50th Anniversary of Independence
Since you became an independent country in 1966, you have continued to flourish and grow into a strong and confident nation.
A speech by Princess Alexandra at a reception to celebrate her Patronages
I am proud to know of the excellent progress you continue to make in the many different fields represented here
Prince Harry announces Royal Household Hospitality scholarships on behalf of The Queen
A speech by Prince Harry on the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy dedication in St Lucia
On behalf of my grandmother, The Queen, I am grateful to the Government and the people of St. Lucia for this most generous contribution.
Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate 60 years of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
24 November 2016The Queen and Prince Michael of Kent celebrate 125 years of Royal Life Saving Society
22 November 2016A message from The Queen to Antigua and Barbuda on its 35th Anniversary of Independence
Prince Philip and I send our warmest wishes to Antigua and Barbuda on the occasion of this celebration to mark 35 years of Independence
A message from The Queen following the earthquakes in New Zealand
I send my condolences to the families of those who were killed and to the people whose homes and businesses have been affected