On Monday 31st March, a Union Flag, funded by Mr Nicholas Edmiston, was presented to the Maison de France by St Paul’s Church on behalf of the British population of Monaco.
The idea originated from the recesses of the Chaplain’s mind following a gathering at the Maison de France on Liberation Day back in May.
The historic presentation and expression of Entente Cordiale was witnessed by a gathering of over fifty people representing various organs within the Principality, along with members of the Church Council.
Tim Morley, the RBL Standard Bearer for the Nice – Monaco Branch entered the room with the flag at “the Carry” accompanied by Freddie Bearn playing the Highland Pipes.
A speech was made by the chaplain that covered both the provenance of the Union Flag, and the Entente Cordiale. The chaplain then presented a corner to Eric Blair MBE, the Honorary British Consul, who then delivered that to the French Ambassador to the Principality, His Excellency Jean d’Haussonville.
That done, the Ambassador offered words of thanks and salutation prior to the singing of the national anthems of Monaco, the United Kingdom and France. Following this a framed scroll, recording those people intimately involved in the occasion, was presented by the chaplain to Mme. Danielle Merlino along with a Scottish Lion Rampant flag for her own personal use on St Andrew’ s Day.
The refreshments that followed were marked by a great deal of laughter and happiness…and a surprise! The French delegation had arranged for a birthday cake to be made that was presented to the chaplain, accompanied by a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
As the chaplain commented in his speech, “In a world where people simply do not get on it is vital to seize every opportunity to do something kind and in the spirit of friendship.”
