CROWNING GLORY

The history between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom has intertwined diplomatically and culturally since the two kingdoms formally began relations more than 200 years ago. With the coronation of HM King Charles III, the two Kingdoms are sure to enjoy a new era of friendship.

In 1816, Bahrain and the United Kingdom reached a preliminary agreement to strengthen their alliance and protect their joint interests. The agreement became official in 1820, when the two sides signed the General Maritime Treaty. Since then, bilateral relations have gone from strength to strength.

The special status of the long-standing Bahraini-British ties is reflected in the depth of distinguished relations of friendship and respect between the two Royal Families. In fact, HM King Hamad is set to attend HM King Charles III’s coronation this month, continuing a strong relationship which began when the late Queen Elizabeth II paid her first official visit to Bahrain in 1979 during the era of HRH the late Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

In 2016, the then Prince Charles along with the Duchess of Cornwall, now Camilla, Queen Consort, visited Bahrain to celebrate the 200th anniversary of its relations with the UK. Meanwhile, King Hamad frequently visits Britain, as recently as 2022, where he attended the international Royal Windsor Horse Show and meetings to strengthen bilateral relations.

The kindred spirit between the two nations is not just shared diplomatically, but in many other ways. From education and healthcare to culture and business, it is a partnership that will continue to nurture and grow for many years to follow.

Bahrain This Month is proud to present its UK in Bahrain supplement, featuring numerous photographs detailing the history between the two kingdoms, interviews from important figures with a presence in both countries, and a look ahead to the historic coronation this month. Cheers!