Chinese Government attends King’s Coronation celebrations in Beijing

British Ambassador to China Dame Caroline Wilson hosted China’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Deng Li at a reception on Saturday 6 May to celebrate the coronationof His Majesty King Charles III. This is the first coronation of a British sovereign since that of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953.

The reception at the Ambassador’s official residence in Beijing played host to a range of representatives from business, diplomacy, media and government.   The guests included Peter Rabbit and Paddington Bear, who famously joined Queen Elizabeth II for marmalade sandwiches at Buckingham Palace as part of last year’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

Vice Minister Deng gave a speech recognising the role of the Royal family and King Charles III in building ties between the UK and China.

In her speech, Ambassador Caroline Wilson said:

‘The coronation of a new King or Queen is a special moment for the United Kingdom and the Realms of the Commonwealth.’

‘The baton will pass to the young people of both countries to develop UK-China relations in this new era.  We owe it to future generations to build a future they can thank us for.’

At the event, guests were able to watch the Coronation ceremony live from London.  Vice President Han Zheng represented the People’s Republic of China alongside world leaders and heads of state.    

An on-site exhibition told the story of His Majesty the King’s life and his dedication to charitable and environmental causes, as well as explaining the history and meaning behind the Coronation’s rituals and regalia.  

Burberry, abrdn, BP, Dettol, HSBC, Rio Tinto, Standard Chartered, Smiths Group, Diageo and Jaguar Land Rover sponsored the event.  A number hold Royal Warrants.  All share the King’s commitment to sustainability, as well as a long-term commitment to China.  

The King continues to play an influential role on shared UK-China priorities.    He represented the late Queen in 1997 at the Hong Kong handover ceremony. In 2021, at the invitation of President Xi, he addressed the opening ceremony of the UN biodiversity Conference in Kunming.