ROME – In honour of Queen Elizabeth’s 92^nd birthday, British ambassador to Italy Jill Morris welcomed 2,000 guests to her residence at Villa Wolkonsky on Thursday night for a dazzling extravaganza that guests ruled the liveliest party of the diplomatic social season in the Eternal City.

 The theme of the evening was “Bridging the Gaps” and served to highlight the bonds that unite the two countries.

 Pierluigi Puglia, British Director of Communications & Public Affairs in Italy, said that this year's event wanted to acknowledge the efforts made by voluntary organisations working for women’s rights, migrants and the environment.

 The following four were mentioned: Differenza Donna, Associazione Penelope, Le Macere and SOS Children’s Villages International.

 British and Italian excellence in art, fashion, food and technology were also showcased on the evening.

 The Ambassador made a speech to mark the occasion: "It’s always a great pleasure to open my splendid residence to so many Italian and foreign colleagues and partners. A unique opportunity to thank all our friends. The United Kingdom and Italy have always been close-knit partners, we share a relationship of strong esteem and close collaboration, which I am sure will continue to strengthen in the years to come."

 A toast was dedicated to the Queen and President Mattarella, while national anthems were played by the Italian Navy's band HM Royal Marines Plymouth.

 Culinary delicacies including oysters from Northern Ireland, English tea, Welsh gin and lashings of Scots whisky were served on bioplastic plates, glasses and cutlery in order to promote the government’s “plastic free” policy.

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