It was a patriotic affair involving typically British elements that made the evening memorable.
Present at the event among other guests was Dr. Luís Villas Boas, of the Refúgio Aboim Asenção children’s home in Faro, of which the British Embassy has been a long and avid supporter.
Music and entertainment was put on throughout the evening and included Scottish dancing and the national hymns of both the UK and Portugal, sung by Portuguese fadista Iolanda Soares and tenor Tiago Sepúlveda.
Guests were also invited to have their pictures taken inside a “very British red telephone box” by renowned photographer Kenton Thatcher, who lives in Portugal and is known for his striking portraits of stars including José Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Delicacies from the four nations making up the UK, including the obligatory fish and chips and haggis, were served up, washed down with very refreshing gin and tonics or a good old pint of beer.
It was an enjoyable event that as well as toasting the Queen and the newest Royal arrival, Princess Charlotte, also served to highlight the longstanding relationship between Portugal and the UK, which continues firm in its capacity as one of the oldest alliances in the world.
Next week, on 1 July, Ambassador Hayes will be giving an introduction at the launch of the English translation of a book by Portuguese-British writer Isabel Stilwell about Philippa of Lancaster, English Queen of Portugal.
The launch, which marks the 600th anniversary of Queen Philippa’s death, takes place in Cascais on Wednesday, at the Farol Hotel at 6pm.