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| Buckingham Palace west facade. Image from Flickr |
As head of state, Queen Elizabeth II has a role to play in
the country’s diplomacy. It is she who welcomes heads of state to Buckingham
Palace during state visits and on less formal occasions. She also meets
ambassadors before they are sent to their overseas posts, sharing with them her
many years of experiences and wide knowledge in international affairs. Ambassadors
from other countries are also welcomed at Buckingham Palace where they present
their credentials to Queen Elizabeth II when they first arrive in London.
Every December, a diplomatic reception is hosted by the
Queen and it is considered as the largest annual reception at Buckingham
Palace. The invitees are ambassadors and high commissioners from about 130
countries with foreign missions in London. A guest would usually don his or her
national costume, adding color and variety to this glittering affair. The
palace’s Green Drawing Room and the adjoining staterooms serve as venues for
the drinks, while the more formal buffet supper is held at the palace ballroom.
Dancing would follow at the Ball Supper Room.
The green drawing room owes its name from the green silk damask
installed on the walls. In 1834, QueenAdelaide wanted to provide employment to poverty-stricken people of Ireland
so she ordered green silk damasks from this part of the kingdom. Every 30
years, these damasks are replaced and the walls in this room have always been
green, with matching curtains and upholstery, as well as the delicate green Sevres vases painstakingly selected to
completed with the walls. Blue ground vases are also displayed to match the
room’s color scheme.
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