Marcos cites thriving PH-UK ties ahead of Charles III's coronation


At a glance

  • Charles and Marcos used to play polo together.

  • Before the coronation, Marcos toured Gatwick Airport.

  • Marcos will head to Indonesia for the ASEAN Summit after the coronation.


President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has highlighted the "thriving" relationship between the Philippines and the United Kingdom, saying it has been promising in boosting many areas of cooperation between the two countries.

Coronation (OP)
President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos converse with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on May 6, 2023. (Office of the President)

Marcos gave this assessment before attending the historic coronation of King Charles III in London on Saturday, May 6.

In a tweet, the President shared photos of him and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos meeting the King himself in at the Royal Reception that Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, hosted for their guests at Westminster Hall.

"Deeply honored to attend the royal reception with First Lady Liza Marcos at Buckingham Palace," he wrote.

"We underscore the thriving relationship between the Philippines and the United Kingdom, which has been promising in increasing trade, investment, and cultural exchanges for the Filipino people," he added.

In an interview with ABS-CBN last month, Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro Locsin Jr. said King Charles III and President Marcos knew each other because they used to play polo together.

Before the reception, the President stopped by Gatwick Airport in London for a tour and meeting with Global Infrastructure Partners, the company behind its infrastructure, technology, and operations.

President Marcos came to London immediately after concluding his four-day official visit to Washington, DC.

His next trip will be to Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, for the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit from May 9 to 11.