Celebration of the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Elizabeth II in Mexico
Elizabeth II was crowned on 2 June 1953, despite having ascended the throne on 6 February 1952, the instant her father died.
The coronation
The coronation is a ceremony in which the monarch of the United Kingdom is formally crowned and invested with regalia. The coronation usually takes place several months after the death of the previous monarch, as it is considered a joyous occasion that would be inappropriate when mourning still continues. This also gives planners enough time to complete the elaborate arrangements required. For the last 900 years, the ceremony has taken place at Westminster Abbey, London. The service is conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, whose task this has almost always been since the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Elizabeth II was crowned on 2 June 1953, despite having ascended the throne on 6 February 1952, the instant her father died. The throne is not left vacant and the new monarch succeeds the old one immediately. In 2013, the UK has celebrated this event through a series of concerts, exhibitions and festivals in different parts of the country and around the world.
Celebration in Mexico
In Mexico, the British Embassy celebrates this event showcasing the best that the UK and the British have to offer, supported by the “GREAT Britain” campaign.
To celebrate British innovation and technology, the guests were received by a MINI Paceman with the classic Union Jack. BBC showed images of the coronation of Elizabeth II, while Meridian Audio y Bowers & Wilkins displayed their high level audio, video and entertainment products.
British creativity was present thanks to the English Affordable Art Fair, which in conjunction with Aldama Fine Arts, presented an exhibition of Mexican contemporary art. In this show, the people were able to enjoy an advance of what will be presented in the second edition of the fair (from the 17th to the 20th of October 2013).
The gastronomic experience was in charge of Lipton tea, which was offered in Wedgwood porcelain tea cups. This was complemented by Walkers shortbread and biscuits, and special desserts created for the occasion with Weetabix products. In addition, the guests were fascinated with the world’s first alcoholic key lime pie drink, which was served in mini chocolate tea cups. Strongbow Gold Cider offered a refreshing light cider made of natural apple juice.
Fashion was also a key element of the night: the well known styles of Hackett and Pepe Jeans London delighted everyone with their catwalk. Finally, the British Council presented a series of posters as part of its 70th anniversary in Mexico. These posters consist of the favourite word in English of eight Mexican celebrities like Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, Lila Downs, Susana Alexander and Rodolfo Neri Vela, among others.
At the end of the event, some of the brands gave away incredible prizes to some lucky guests, including a round trip to London by British Airways.
The event marks the farewell of Judith Macgregor as British Ambassador to Mexico, who held this position since 2009. During these four years, there was an improvement - without precedent - in the bilateral relationship between both countries, through a series of high level visits.
This included the visit of the Duke of York, Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, as well as countless commercial missions that were accompanied by representatives of the British government. In addition, during her time in Mexico, Judith Macgregor led the promotion of the Olympic and Paralympics Games and represented the UK in events like the COP 16 in Cancún and the G20 Summit in Los Cabos.
Infrastructure, education and creative industries are some of the pillars that represent the biggest opportunities for the UK in Mexico. It is clear why GREAT Britain is a GREAT place to study, visit and do business.
Brands participating in the QBP:
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Affordable Art Fair: Affordable Art Fair started in London in 1999. Today it takes place annually in 14 different cities around the world. The second edition in Mexico will take place from the 17-20 of Octobrer in Expo Reforma, with the participation of more than 50 galleries and 300 artists. Its concept is very simple but unique: an art event in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in which you can find thousands of original pieces of art at affordable prices.
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BBC: With more than 75 years in the media and entertainment business, BBC will be showing in the following months its “London Calling”, which reunites many of its television successes like Doctor Who, the Glastonbury Festival and The Graham Norton Show.
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Bowers & Wilkins: Bowers & Wilkins is a British loudspeaker company that produces best in class hi-fi and home theatre speakers.
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British Airways: This year British Airways celebrates 20 years of flying to Mexico City. Since then, the airline has provided the best service through its Mexican personnel that is able to speak Spanish to their clients: “To Fly, To Serve”.
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British Council: The British Council was established in Mexico in 1943, nine years after the institution was founded globally. It promotes the cultural and educational relationship between the UK and the rest of the world.
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66 Classic: 66 Classic is the world’s first alcoholic Key Lime Pie drink, which combines an intriguing fusion of tangy limes and cream with vodka.
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Diageo: Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine.
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Hackett: Hackett, home of quintessential British style, inaugurated its third store in Mexico in June in Santa Fe.
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Lipton: With British origins, Lipton is one of the world’s great refreshment brands with tea-based drinks including leaf tea, infusions, ready-to-drink tea and other healthy, among others.
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Meridian Audio : Founded in 1977 in Cambridge, UK, Meridian Audio designs, engineers and manufactures state-of-the-art audio and video home entertainment systems.
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MINI: More than a simple car. Mini is a lifestyle. Unmistakeable design, exclusivity and very British.
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Pepe Jeans London: Pepe Jeans London celebrates 40 years of existence. A long way since their beginnings in Notting Hill London. Trendy and hipster option that is present in 70 countries around the world.
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Strongbow Gold Cider: The Mexican Beer Company Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma introduced to Mexico Strongbow Gold Cider in 2013. This is the best selling European cider in the world and one of the stars of Heineken corporation. Fresh and light Strongbow is produced in Herefordshire and Stassen (Belgium) just like in the beginning with the brothers Bulmer in 1887.
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Walkers: Founded by Joseph Walker in 1898, Walkers continues a tradition to produce the best Scottish shortbread in the world. Nowadays Aeromexico offers Walkers shortbread to its passengers on the Mexico-London flight.
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Wedgwood: Wedgwood has produced high quality china since 1759. It is one of the largest providers in the globe. High end stores such as Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Harrod’s sell this exclusive brand. In Mexico you can find it in Palacio de Hierro.
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Weetabix: With more than 80 years of tradition, Weetabix is the favourite breakfast cereal of the UK and is now present in Mexico.
