On June 14, 2024, more than 250 guests joined the British High Commission team in Suva to celebrate King Charles’ birthday.
High Commissioner Dr. Brian Jones, along with the Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, and his wife, Mrs. Sulueti Rabuka, were present to honor His Majesty King Charles III's birthday. The event highlighted the King's dedication to nature, gardening, plants, and flowers by featuring Fiji's floral beauty and the artists who transform these natural wonders into stunning displays.
The UK last celebrated a King’s Birthday Party in 1951. King Charles III, born on November 14, 1948, ascended the throne on May 6, 2023. His coronation was a significant cultural event of 2023.
In his remarks, Dr. Brian Jones spoke of the historical ties between the UK and Fiji and their modern partnership aimed at creating a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. He highlighted their joint efforts to combat the illegal invasion of Ukraine and to seek lasting peace in the Middle East.
The Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs toasted to the health of His Majesty The King. Laisa Vulakoro, Paulini Bautani, Justin Blake Hickes, and their band provided musical entertainment, including the British and Fijian national anthems. The Horticultural and Orchids Society of Fiji showcased their work with a theme of "celebration."
Madam First Lady Vilomena Katonivere presented an award to the florist who displayed their flower art at the event.
Akosita Raicebe, President of the Suva Orchid and Horticultural Circle, expressed her delight:
"We were pleased to showcase our floral arrangements at this year’s King’s Birthday Party, the first time the Circle and the High Commission have collaborated at this level. Fiji has some of the most beautiful flora in the world, and we know His Majesty The King has a great interest in both the beauty of the natural world and the beauty of Fiji. We hope our arrangements during the 2024 KBP have inspired others to protect Fiji's wonderful flowers and plants."
Guests included representatives from various organizations such as Youth for Integrity Fiji, Fiji Graduate Women's Network, CWM Board of Visitors, Women Entrepreneurs Business Council, Rainbow Pride Hub, Sanatan Fiji, and Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei, as well as Fiji's top businesspeople, diplomats, and officials from the security, arts, and education sectors.
Dr. Brian Jones highlighted the symbolic meaning of flowers:
"Flowers represent new life, hope, love, and the promise of what is to come. His Majesty King Charles loves gardening and promotes plants and nature in all he does. The British love of nature, tradition, and the culture of gardening is something we share with our friends in Fiji and across the Pacific. Gardening breaks down barriers in society, and the wonder of new life excites and reassures us all equally. Our event celebrated everything that flowers mean to us across our vibrant cultures. Like gardens, relationships between countries and peoples require care, hard work, creativity, and investment. That’s my job as High Commissioner, with my team, and that’s what this evening was about – planting new seeds, tending established stems, and celebrating the wonder of what’s to come in the next season."
A big Vinaka Vakalevu and Dhanyavaad to our fellow gardeners for their presence and fantastic support in making #KBP2024 so memorable.