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IN PICS: This is how Brits in Spain celebrated the Royal Wedding

The Local Spain
The Local Spain - [email protected]
IN PICS: This is how Brits in Spain celebrated the Royal Wedding
Photo: AFP

Simon Manley, the British Ambassador, and his wife Maria Isabel hosted a garden party at the residence in Madrid inviting British citizens who have made “an outstanding contribution to their local communities” in Spain.

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In a marquee on the lawn bedecked in Union Jack bunting with the smiling faces of the Prince and Meghan, the guests watched the wedding of the year on big screens live from Windsor.


Guests watch the BBC live feed of the wedding. Photo: Fiona Govan/ The Local

Traditional fare that included smoked salmon sandwiches, English cheddar on a stick and scones were accompanied by glasses of fizz, pints of English ale and G and T.


Scones with jam and cream were just one of the treats on offer. Photo: Fiona Govan/The Local

The Embassy said it was “inspired by the Royal couple’s desire for the day to reflect their characters and values, and their invitation to those from around the UK linked to their charitable work” to invite those who have made an outstanding contribution to their local communities from across Spain.

Among those acknowledged with a diploma for their invaluable work were voluntary organisations dedicated to the welfare of British expats in Spain such as Cancer Support Mallorca, the University of the Third Age U3A and the Samaritans in Spain.


Ambassador Simon Manley posing with some of those awarded recognition for their work in Spain. Photo: British Embassy

So too were church groups across Spain and the British Cemetery Foundation in Madrid as well as the Royal British Legion, the British Hispanic Foundation and the British Ladies Association.

Individuals who work hard for expats were also recognised. Moira Hillen, a town hall councillor who has fought tirelessly for expat property rights in the Almanzora valley was recognised. So too was Ali Meehan, founder of Costa Women.

The Local Spain was one of several English language news outlets to be honoured with the award.

The awards were presented ahead of the start of the wedding in Windsor by Charmaine Arboui, the Consul in Malaga.

Guests were then treated to a beautiful rendition of God Save The Queen, by the Ambassador’s youngest daughter Natasha.

School children at British schools across Spain had sent in messages congratulating Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and they were displayed on a board at the entrance to the marquee.


Photo: Fiona Govan/ The Local

After watching the nuptials broadcast live on big screens in the marquee and in the cooler interior of the residence, a delicious lemon cake was cut by the Ambassador and his wife.


Simon Manley and Maria Isabel cut the cake. Photo: British Embassy

“This wonderful event today illustrates the enormous breadth and depth of the contributions made by British people working with our local partners in almost every corner of Spain,” said Manley.

“For example, we have community groups that work with the elderly and the unwell, the Royal British Legion, church groups, community groups, British schools representing the 55,000 children who study in British schools across Spain, and of course, our local partners, from Town Halls and our Honorary Consuls."


The British Ambassador giving a speech during the event at the Residence in Madrid. Photo: British Embassy

“It has been an honour to meet such a huge range of inspirational people today, and celebrate this Royal wedding together”, the ambassador said.

Guests watch the live feed from Windsor. Photo: British Embassy

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