LONDON: Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa awarded the Order of Bahrain (First Class) to Alastair Long, the British Ambassador to Manama, on Sunday.

Long was honored for his efforts to strengthen and advance relations between the UK and Bahrain. King Hamad emphasized Bahrain’s pride in its strong strategic relationship and longstanding partnership with the UK, according to Bahrain News Agency.

King Hamad also received Lucie Belgrave, the great-granddaughter of Sir Charles Belgrave, who served as a chief advisor to the rulers of Bahrain from 1926 until 1957 and spearheaded the country’s reforms and the modernization of various sectors.

Belgrave visited the British Residence in Manama to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sir Charles’ arrival in Bahrain in 1926. She is the granddaughter of James Hamad Belgrave, the son of Sir Charles, who passed away in 1979. He is buried in the Christian cemetery in Salmabad, west of Isa Town.