The new ambassador of the United Kingdom (UK) to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Julian Reilly, said that his wife and he were overwhelmed by the warmth of the welcome from people all over BiH. He added that he was deeply moved by the amount of support throughout BiH after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“I received a lot of expressions of sympathy from politicians, religious leaders, and citizens. The pictures of the queen and our flag on billboards in Sarajevo, on the Old Bridge in Mostar show a strong bond between our peoples. I would also like to thank the media who devoted a lot of time to following the event,” said Reilly in an interview for BHRT.
He reminded that we celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations between BiH and the UK.
“We are proud to be close partners and to support peace and prosperity all these years. Apart from the ties of state institutions, there is a strong connection between citizens and the royal family. There were five visits by King Charles when he was a prince,” he noted.
He says that his wife and he are overwhelmed by the warmth of welcome from people all over BiH.
“We are happy that we have the opportunity to live in such a beautiful country that has a lot to offer. These are difficult times, both here and everywhere, and we all need to act together. Thank you all for your kind messages of condolence in this sad time, I look forward to working with the citizens, politicians and others in BiH. In the coming years, our goal is to support a stable, safe and prosperous state,” concluded Reilly.
Speaking about the new monarch and his relationship with BiH, he stated that the king visited BiH several times, including in the most difficult times. He planned to come two years ago, but the pandemic prevented him.
When asked if we might see King Charles III in BiH next year, the ambassador said: “I hope so, but I don’t know.” Some say he was not a favorite of the UK public, but the ambassador does not share this view.
“As I mentioned earlier the public has responded with a lot of warmth and admiration as he takes on the responsibilities of a monarch. King Charles becomes head of state when the world is facing a number of challenges. Climate change, threats to security, the high cost of living. I know he will be a source of strength and unity for our nation and the Commonwealth,” the ambassador stressed.
Her Majesty, he reminded, was at the head of the state and at the head of the Commonwealth for 70 years.
“Fifteen different Prime Ministers led her government. She had 260 foreign visits and many events around the UK during her reign, but she always had warm and wise words for presidents and ordinary people. So for me, the Queen represents the most powerful example how to do duty and serve others,” he said.
The ambassador could not single out a special event during the queen’s reign because, as he says, there are many significant moments during her reign.
“She comforted people in times of tragedy, led glory in times of happiness, had an incredible ability to connect with citizens. I remember when I saw her, I was seven years old, I was in Botswana, Africa, she addressed my class as she passed. The next day I escaped from my mother alone to accompany Her Majesty on a visit to the local fair. I ended up being found watching the proceedings on top of a fence,” Reilly stressed.
She was simply a wonderful person, he pointed out.
“As a British person, I am grateful to her for her contribution to stability and continuity in my country. As a diplomat, I recognize her as our best diplomat, a great force on the world stage. She is always able to extend a hand of friendship. She taught us that by looking to the future and adapting present, we can also preserve the past,” he said.
