Easter | Banquet

Embassy Network | 10th July 2017

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson delivers his speech

As always, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Khaled Al Duwaisan had guests in stitches with an entertaining speech

The Lord Mayor welcomes guests to Mansion House

Trumpeters announce the VIP guests

The Lord Mayor greets the Ambassador of Singapore Foo Chi Hsia

The Ambassador of China Liu Xiaoming arrives at Mansion House

Lord Mayor Dr Andrew Parmley with Dutch Ambassador Simon Smits

The Lord Mayor greets the Ambassador of Brazil Eduardo dos Santos

The Lord Mayor greets the High Commissioner for Canada Janice Charette

Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Sir Alan Duncan arrives at Mansion House

The New Zealand High Commissioner Jeremiah Mateparae is welcomed by the Lord Mayor

The Australian High Commissione Alexader Downer shares a joke with the Lord Mayor and his wife Wendy

The Lord Mayor with City Aldermen at Mansion House

Easter Banquet

Black-tie elegance, beautiful food and brilliant speeches made this year’s Lord Mayor’s Easter Banquet a truly special event.

Welcoming diplomats to the opulent Egyptian Hall at Mansion House, Alderman Dr Andrew Parmley said: “We came here tonight, not as strangers, but as global family and friends. We face shared challenges, and opportunities. We are bound by shared values and principles – values of fairness, justice and freedom for all.”

Addressing the upcoming Brexit talks, guest of honour, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, told guests: “Though I have no doubt that the negotiations will be tough and some plaster may fall off the ceiling, I am also sure that Theresa May can pull it off, and usher in a new era of free trade deals.”

PHOTOS: PIERRE DE VILLIERS