A Royal Visit from HRH The Countess of Wessex

During her NYC visit, HRH The Countess of Wessex visited St. George's Society of New York’s new office at 866 United Nations Plaza. She met with staff, members of the Executive Committee, scholars and a senior beneficiary to learn about SGSNY’s work. Additionally, the Countess unveiled a plaque marking her visit. 

HRH The Countess (R) speaking with Geneive Brown-Metzger (L), a member of SGSNY’s Advisory Council and former Jamaican Consul General

The Countess signs SGSNY’s guest book during her visit to our new office

HRH The Countess of Wessex unveils a plaque marking her visit and the grand opening of SGSNY’s new office

The Countess (R) speaks with an SGSNY senior beneficiary (L) in the presence of one of SGSNY’s social workers (C)

SGSNY scholar and recent grad (L) speaks with The Countess (L)

An SGSNY Scholar receives a congratulatory graduation gift from The Countess

Flower arrangements featuring flowers of the Commonwealth were graciously gifted by McQueens Flowers for the occasion.

"For the first time in 252 years, St. George's Society of New York owns an office which will become the hub of our operations. I am proud of our heritage, but it is our future that excites me most,” said David Drinkwater, SGSNY President. “Our DNA may be British, but our work today is sustained by individuals and partners from across the Commonwealth who call the Tri-state area home.”

Highlighting this year’s Commonwealth Day theme, “Delivering a Common Future,” SGSNY invited some past and present scholarship recipients, who detailed how the financial aid and career enrichment support they received helped them complete their undergraduate degrees and pursue their careers.  The Countess presented a congratulatory gift to one scholar who recently graduated in Winter 2021.

Echoing the day’s theme, McQueens Flowers provided floral displays inspired by Commonwealth countries, which were subsequently gifted to beneficiaries. 

Photography by Jaclyn Licht