Press Release

The Bhutan Society of the United Kingdom marked the 25^th anniversary of its establishment by hosting the traditional annual dinner in London on 17^th November 2017.

Sir Simon Bowes Lyon, President of the Society conveyed the greetings from His Royal Highness Prince William, Duke of Cambridge to the members of the Society on the occasion of its 25^th anniversary.  In his message, the Duke recalled his visit with Duchess of Cambridge to Bhutan in April 2016.  Ambassador Pema Choden, who was invited as the chief guest at the event, conveyed the deep appreciation of the Royal Government and people of Bhutan for the contribution the Society has made in fostering goodwill and friendship between the people of the of the two Kingdoms.  On the occasion, a felicitation message from H.E. Lyonpo Damcho Dorji, Foreign Minister of Bhutan was conveyed to the Society.

The dinner was held at the historic hall of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. The Inner Temple is one of the four Inns of Court (professional associations for barristers and judges) in London.  His Majesty the King was appointed as an Honorary Royal Bencher of the Inner Temple in 2011.

The dinner was attended by about 190 people including members of the Society, Bhutanese studying and residing in the United Kingdom and members of the Bhutan Friendship Societies from Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The Bhutan Society of the United Kingdom has over 500 registered members. Mr. Andrew Sutton, who has been serving as Secretary of the Society, has succeeded Mr. Michael Rutland as the Chairman while Mr. Michael Rutland, who co-founded the Society, will become the Vice President. The Bhutan Society of the United Kingdom was established on 6^th October 1992.