King Charles III Birthday celebrates UK nations and Cambodia ties

On 3 June 2026, the British Embassy Phnom Penh celebrated the 78th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, welcoming nearly 400 friends and colleagues from government, foreign missions, businesses and civil society at the Hyatt Regency.

This year’s theme “Celebrating the Four Nations of the United Kingdom” brought together culture, music, food, and storytelling from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, showcasing the richness and diversity of the United Kingdom as one nation.

The event highlighted the breadth of UK–Cambodia relations, spanning education, trade, development and people‑to‑people links. The United Kingdom and Cambodia share a longstanding partnership and continue to work closely together to build on this strong foundation.

Speaking at the event, British Ambassador Dominic Williams MBE said

This evening, we’ve gathered friends and partners to mark the birthday of His Majesty The King and to thank them for working with us to bring the UK and Cambodia closer together. I was delighted to have this opportunity to celebrate all parts of the United Kingdom – England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales – and to sample some traditional delicacies, including  Irish Potato Farls, Scottish Smoked Salmon and Welsh Rarebit.

Just as all parts of the United Kingdom matter to British people, we know all parts of Cambodia matter to Cambodians. So, it was also important for us to pause in our festivities this evening and take a moment to think about all those affected by the situation on the border with Thailand. The UK renews its commitment to support efforts towards sustainable peace.

Reflecting the strength of the UK–Cambodia partnership, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports of Cambodia, joined the celebration as Guest of Honour.

H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports of Cambodia said

This historic celebration of the Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III offers a cherished opportunity to reflect upon the enduring bonds of friendship and the ever-expanding traditional cooperation between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the United Kingdom.

Over the years, our two nations have cultivated a partnership founded on mutual trust, shared values, and constructive cooperation in many areas of common interest. As our relations continue to deepen, may the friendship between our peoples grow ever stronger for the peace, prosperity, and sustainable development of both nations.

The Embassy extends its sincere appreciation to its valued sponsors including Springboard, Teesside University, IDP Education Cambodia, NCUK, Prudential, Unilever, Chip Mong Group, Tube Coffee, Hoxton Wealth, Seekers, Pernod Ricard and Chivas Kingdom whose generous support was instrumental to the success of the event.

Notes for Editors

• The King’s Birthday Party is an annual event hosted by British Embassies worldwide to mark the official birthday of the monarch.

• This year’s event in Phnom Penh was held on 3 June 2026 and attended by nearly 400 guests.

• The United Kingdom and Cambodia have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, with cooperation spanning education, trade, development, and civil society.

• The evening showcased the richness of British culture and tradition through a selection of classic dishes. The menu included Scottish smoked salmon on oatcakes, Welsh rarebit on sourdough, egg mayonnaise in cucumber cups, and coronation chicken on baguette croutons. Guests also enjoyed vegan sausage rolls, potato farls with chive cream cheese and bacon, Glamorgan sausage bites with onion marmalade, and fish cakes with tartar sauce. Desserts featured mini-Dundee cake with brandy sauce and traditional Fifteens, complemented by a selection of spirits from across the United Kingdom, offering guests a taste of Britain’s diverse culinary heritage.

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