His Excellency Teodoro L. Locsin Jr presented his credentials as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the Court of St. James’s to His Majesty, King Charles III, at Buckingham Palace on 16 May 2023.
Ambassador Locsin holds the distinction of being the first head of mission in London and the first Philippine ambassador to present credentials to the King after his Coronation on 06 May.
During the tête-à-tête following the presentation of credentials ceremony, Ambassador Locsin congratulated the King on his recent coronation and looked forward to stronger Philippines-UK relations.
The King expressed gratitude for the contributions of Filipinos in the UK, particularly healthcare workers, and expressed hope to meet with and engage the community more.
The King also looked forward to an opportunity to visit the Philippines again soon.
Following the ceremony, the Ambassador and Mrs Locsin signed the Buckingham Palace guest book.
Assisting King Charles III during the presentation of credentials were FCDO Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Philip Robert Barton KCMG OBE and His Majesty’s Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps Mr William Alistair Harrison CMG CVO.
The Ambassador was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Maria Lourdes B. Locsin, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Rhenita B. Rodriguez, Minister and Consul Ana Marie L. Hernando, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Beatriz Alexandra G. Martinez, and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Emilio O. Lopue Jr.
Ambassador and Mrs Locsin and the delegation were taken to and from Buckingham Palace in a horse-drawn carriage. Following tradition, Ambassador and Mrs. Locsin fed the horses carrots and apples to thank them for their service.
