The Treaty of Windsor Dinner (19 May 2026)

Tue, 19 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Kindred Nations: Portugal & the United Kingdom

The Treaty of Windsor Dinner

19 May 2026

The Anglo-Portuguese Society is honoured to host the Treaty of Windsor Dinner 2026, to be held on Tuesday 19 May 2026 at the Residence of the Portuguese Ambassador in London.

This special evening, graciously hosted at the Residence, will take place in the presence of His Excellency Nuno Brito, Ambassador of Portugal to the United Kingdom, and in the presence of our Patron, The Rt Hon Baroness Verma of Leicester, together with Baroness Bray of Coln.

The evening will commence with a reception at 6.00 pm, followed by dinner at 7.00 pm.

A Celebratory Occasion

This year’s dinner marks two significant milestones: the 640th anniversary of the Treaty of Windsor, signed on 9 May 1386, and the 88th anniversary of the founding of the Anglo-Portuguese Society on 19 May 1938.

Since its establishment, the Society has been dedicated to sustaining and deepening the Anglo-Portuguese relationship through education, culture, diplomacy, and amity, ensuring that this historic alliance continues to live through active engagement between our two nations.

An Intimate Gathering

Limited to just 55 guests, this black-tie occasion will bring together members of the diplomatic community, academia, business, and the arts, all of whom share a commitment to the continued vitality of the Anglo-Portuguese relationship.

The setting reflects the significance of the occasion: an intimate and carefully curated evening within one of London’s most distinguished diplomatic residences.

Theme: Kindred Nations

This year’s theme, “Kindred Nations”, reflects the deep-rooted affinities between Portugal and the United Kingdom.

Throughout the evening, each table will represent a pairing of cities, one Portuguese and one from the United Kingdom, whose histories and identities bear witness to the enduring friendship between the two nations. Through these connections, the many dimensions of the Alliance are brought into focus: diplomacy, cultural exchange, learning, trade, and shared heritage.

Cultural Programme & Dining Experience

The evening will include a short performance by Fábio Fernandes, a young Portuguese classical guitarist and lutenist based in London, whom the Society has previously supported. Encouraging emerging cultural talent forms an important part of the Society’s wider charitable mission.

A curated dinner menu has been specially designed for the occasion, reflecting both tradition and refinement. The Society is also grateful to Symington Family Estates, longstanding supporters of the Anglo-Portuguese Society, for their generous contribution, with a selection of Ports to be served throughout the evening.

Graham’s Blend Nº5 is a contemporary white Port from the Douro Valley, crafted specifically for mixing. Light, fresh, and aromatic, it presents delicate notes of fruit and blossom, with a crisp, gently dry finish. It is best enjoyed as a refreshing Port & Tonic, served over ice with tonic water and citrus.

This will be complemented by Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage (LBV), a rich and full-bodied Port from a single year’s harvest. Aged in oak casks prior to bottling, it offers concentrated dark fruit flavours with notes of spice and liquorice, balanced by structure and depth. Approachable yet complex, it remains a classic expression of traditional Port.

Tickets:
Members: £250
Non-members: £350
A special rate is available for new corporate members.

Attendance is strictly limited, with only a small number of places remaining.
Preference will be given to members.

For further information or to register your interest, please contact: info@apsociety.co.uk

Annual Mass to mark Portugal National Day (14 Jun 2026)

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Annual Mass and Reception to celebrate

Portugal National Day

The Anglo-Portuguese Society is delighted to invite you to a celebration of Portugal National Day, reinforcing the enduring ties between the United Kingdom and Portugal.

Date: Sunday, 14 June 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. – Solemn Mass
Location: Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and St Gregory, Warwick Street, London

Following the Mass, a reception will be held at:
Parish Rooms, 24 Golden Square, London W1F 9JR

This special occasion will be attended by His Excellency, the Portuguese Ambassador, and will celebrate our shared history, including the deep connections between the Portuguese Embassy in London and the Warwick Street Church.

You will find the church conveniently located between Beak Street and Glasshouse Street, just a short walk from Piccadilly Circus.

Join us to honor this important day with friendship, culture, and community.

Discover the Significance of the Warwick Street Church and 24 Golden Square

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and St Gregory and 24 Golden Square are two iconic landmarks in London, rich in history and closely linked to the Portuguese community and Anglo-Portuguese relations.

The Warwick Street Church

Originally founded in the early 18th century, the church began as a chapel within the Portuguese Embassy. At a time when Catholic worship was restricted by English law, the embassy's chapel provided a crucial sanctuary for London's Catholic community. Under the protection of diplomatic immunity, the chapel grew to serve both embassy officials and local Catholics.

The church's importance was further recognised when Queen Maria II of Portugal had a requiem Mass held here in 1853. Despite challenges, including damage during the anti-Catholic Gordon Riots of 1780, the church was rebuilt and remains a testament to the enduring cultural and spiritual bonds between Portugal and the UK.

Today, this beautiful church continues to host key events for the Portuguese community and serves as a focal point of faith and heritage.

The Portuguese Embassy at Golden Square

Just a short walk from the church, 23-24 Golden Square served as the Portuguese Embassy between 1724 and 1747. It was here that Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, later known as the Marquess of Pombal, lived and served as Ambassador from 1739 to 1744. Pombal later became a celebrated Portuguese statesman, renowned for his leadership and reforms in Portugal.

To commemorate this history, a blue plaque at 24 Golden Square highlights the building's role as a centre of diplomacy and culture. The inscription reads:

The close proximity of the church and the former embassy symbolises the deep historical ties between the two nations, ties that we continue to honour and celebrate today.

This historical backdrop will help attendees appreciate the importance of these landmarks during the upcoming celebration of Corpus Christi and Portuguese National Day. We look forward to welcoming you to this meaningful occasion!

The Anglo-Portuguese Society upcoming events