On 6 June 2019 His Excellency the Governor, John Rankin, welcomed a wide cross section of the community to Government House to celebrate the 93rd birthday of Her Majesty The Queen. Among those present were first-time guests who had applied for an invitation to attend through the online ballot as well as representatives from various charities and voluntary organisations in Bermuda.

Music and entertainment for the event were provided by the Band of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band and the Gombey Evolution Troupe.

In his speech the Governor recalled Her Majesty The Queen’s dedication to public service and recognised the work that local charities and their volunteers carry out in Bermuda. He said “I hope you will join me in thanking them for their selfless work in making a real difference in the day-to-day lives of people on the island, who at one point or another in their lives need some extra help”.

The Governor also praised the work of Bermuda’s young people and their determination to make a difference, saying, “I have been inspired by their commitment to helping others and to ensuring sustainable development for this island, not least in reducing the amount of plastic waste on our beautiful shores and protecting the wider environment.

“6 June marked the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the day that the Allied powers crossed the English Channel and landed on the beaches of Normandy, beginning the liberation of Western Europe from the Nazis during World War II. The Governor in his speech paid tribute to Bermuda’s veterans and asked us to “remember this evening all those who made the ultimate sacrifice that day and also all those Bermudians who served in the Allied Forces and helped to preserve the freedoms that we can all enjoy today.”

• Press release from the Government