The British High Commissioner Rob Luke and his wife Louise recently hosted the annual Queen's Birthday Party at their Residence in San Pawl tat-Targa.

Welcoming President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Mr Luke highlighted the strong relationship between the UK and Malta. He noted that both countries continue to work closely together to respond to the challenges posed by instability in Libya and migration across the Mediterranean.

Mr Luke said he was delighted that The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will visit Malta and attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November. The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will also attend CHOGM in support of The Queen.

Guests arrived to the sounds of piper Charles Giacomotto, and later enjoyed entertainment by a UK tribute band, The Counterfeit Beatles. The residence was decorated with lovely Union Jack bunting, red, white and blue balloons and posters of the GREAT campaign.

The national anthems were performed by members of the Teatru Manoel Youth Opera. Typical British food and drink was served including fish and chips, pork pies, Yorkshire pudding with roast beef and horseradish, currant scones with jam, lemon curd tartlets, a selection of British cheeses and Pimms. There was also a carello with British ice-cream which proved very popular.

Sponsors included the Corinthia Group, EY Ernst & Young, HSBC and Land Rover/Mini by Muscats Motors.