The President of Malta George Vella and Mrs Miriam Vella attended the Coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey in London.
At the end of the ceremony, President Vella stated that it was a pleasure to be representing Malta in such an event, and that he had the opportunity to share some thoughts with heads of state from different countries. He also remarked on the solemnity of the Coronation ceremony and the organisation in the city of London.
The Coronation ceremony, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, was attended by a congregation of more than 2,200 people. Among others, representatives from 203 countries were invited, including around 100 heads of state.
On the eve of the Coronation ceremony, President Vella attended an event with the heads of the Commonwealth countries in honour of King Charles III organised by the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland, at Marlborough House. It was an opportunity for the heads of state to reflect on the future of the Commonwealth, with an emphasis on the potential of youths who promote the principles of peace and sustainable development. In his intervention, the President asked questions, among others, about funding and organisation and suggested the creation of exchange programmes similar to the youth exchange programmes in Europe. The President also raised the point that most small countries are threatened by climate change; should the sea level rises, they will be at risk of being destroyed. “It was a very good discussion, and it seems that there is a new impetus for the future of the Commonwealth under the leadership of King Charles III together with the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Baroness Scotland”, concluded the President.
Meanwhile, Mrs Vella participated in and addressed an event for the spouses and partners of Commonwealth Leaders hosted by Mrs Jeannette Kagame, First Lady of Rwanda, which focused on the action needed to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer across the Commonwealth.
On Friday evening, the President and Mrs Vella were invited together with the other guests of the Coronation ceremony to an event at Buckingham Palace. With the members of the Royal Family, President Vella spoke, among others, about the ties between Malta and the Royal Family.
In London, the President had a courtesy call with ten members of the Armed Forces of Malta who together with the troops from the Commonwealth countries took part in the procession accompanying King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
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