The Queen took to video link to receive the credentials of three new ambassadors to the UK this week but behind the new technology, some very old traditions remained.
The new ambassadors for Hungary, Timor-Leste and Georgia were all welcomed to Buckingham Palace for the audiences and all of them arrived in style. Part of the tradition set for new ambassadors is a carriage ride to the Palace and, despite the changes forced by the coronavirus pandemic, that part of the ceremonial remained in place.
His Excellency Dr Ferenc Kumin, Hungary’s newly appointed Ambassador to the United Kingdom, travelled to Buckingham Palace by State Landau as did Her Excellency Sophie Katsarava, Georgia’s Ambassador, and His Excellency Gil da Costa, of Timor-Leste.
The three new ambassadors were welcomed to the Palace before being shown to the Equerry’s Room where their video audiences took place. All three were expected to bow or curtsy to the screen when the Queen appeared. They then placed their credentials on a table before the screen.
Her Majesty was seated in the Oak Room at Windsor where she is now spending the winter, having cancelled her plans to move to Sandringham to celebrate Christmas.
