Russia Day
Despite decidedly unsettled weather – even for Britain – Russian Ambassador Alexander Yakovenko and his wife Nana managed to secure a glorious summer’s day for their very first garden party in London to celebrate Russia’s National Day. Perhaps, guests joked, the Almighty decided to bless the day with sun because on this occasion Ambassador Yakovenko presented the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Antonio Mennini, with the Order of Friendship for his “extraordinary contribution to Russia-Vatican relations” during his tenure as Holy See’s envoy in Moscow in 2003-2010. Members of the Royal family, MPs, diplomats and captains of industry all enjoyed a barbecue in the garden accompanied by a range of cooling vodkas.
PHOTOS: PIERRE DE VILLIERS
Ambassador and Mrs Yakovenko welcome the
Ambassador of China Mr Liu Xiaoming
Countess Spencer is welcomed by Mr Victor Spasskiy
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Kuwait Mr Khaled Al Duwaisan and Ambassador Yakovenko
The Ambassador of Montenegro Prof Ljubiša Stankovic, the Ambassador of Bosnia Herzegovina Mrs Jadranka Negodic and the Ambassador of Serbia Dr Dejan Popovic
Guests were offered an array of delicious vodka cocktails
