Comments on: The Queen’s Birthday

By: Rob Crilly

Rob Crilly — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:03:38 +0000

My absence at previous QBPs has, as far as I can tell, not brought the monarchy to its knees. Or indeed been noticed. But I live in hope.

By: Onnik Krikorian

Onnik Krikorian — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:00:56 +0000

Strangely, I might actually go for the first time today. In fact, the British Ambassador and the Deputy Head of Mission seem eager to push me to attend even though it’s really not my thing.
No marmite, though, but there will reportedly be stilton. However, it seems Pimms is the drink of the day in Yerevan and unfortunately not beer, but on a brighter note, I don’t have to adhere to the “uniform or lounge suit” dress requirements.
Anyway, if I do go it will be because of Charles and Gideon — the best Ambassador and DHM we’ve had in Armenia in the 10 years I’ve been here — and not for any other reason. I will, however, live in hope that there’s some beer.
Never flown the flag, before, but might as well show up. In the past my reluctance too was to make a point about such events. Now, however, it will be to show my approval of the younger, more dynamic British Embassy in Yerevan.

By: Mark Larkin

Mark Larkin — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:52:07 +0000

I didn’t realise that it happened everywhere. The QBP, as it’s known here in Paris, is mostly similarly anachronistic (there a Marching Band at Dusk!), but is also used as a trade showcase.
I get invited, and usually go, as it’s quite fun and my only contact with the Embassy. Along with confirming my anti-Royalism (but not enough to forego her pork pies, you may cry!), it usually also stirs up some incredulity at the Foreign Office. These people are employed at vast expense to be experts on their local country. The cloistered environment of a big Embassy means they probably have better insights on Britain’s Got Talent (AKA Britain Needs a Good Book) than what’s going down in the problem banlieux parisiens…

By: nuttycow

nuttycow — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:49:34 +0000

Wow.. a harsh response!
Couldn’t you have just sent your apologies like a normal person?!

By: Graham

Graham — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:02:21 +0000

I also dislike the “dress code” the Embassy dishes out at these things. And like you, I think Brits can generally be a lot more inventive when it comes to inventing ideas for a piss up and a plate of chips.

By: Rob Crilly

Rob Crilly — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:43:52 +0000

Marmite? And I thought I’d gone too far

By: J.

J. — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:50:07 +0000

suggest you add marmite and possibly the Spice Girls to the list of things British, worth celebrating.