News - United Kingdom, London, Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria

On 19 May this year, at the initiative of the Bulgarian Embassy in London, a wreath-laying ceremony was organized to commemorate the 128th anniversary of the death of British Prime Minister William Gladstone and the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising. William Gladstone remains in history as the most prominent British politician to have raised a strong voice in support of the Bulgarian cause for freedom and independence.

Through his pamphlet “Bulgarian Horrors and the Question of the East”, William Gladstone drew public attention to the suffering of the Bulgarian people. His efforts contributed to shaping the diplomatic environment in Europe. For this reason, Gladstone is remembered in Bulgaria as a steadfast defender of justice and human dignity.

Among those attending the event were his great-great-grandson Francis Gladstone and several other family members; James Asser, Chair of the Bulgaria Friendship Group in the British Parliament; John Brisby, Chairman of the organization “Friends of Bulgaria”; Dr Stoyan Radkov, a researcher of Gladstone’s legacy; representatives of Westminster City Council; and members of the Bulgarian community. A wreath was also laid by Honorary Councillor Angela Harvey, former Lord Mayor of Westminster.