Ashford Borough Council mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Queen Marie of Romania

On the evening of Thursday 23 October 2025, Ashford Borough Council joined forces with The Romanian Cultural Institute (ICR) in London to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Queen Marie of Romania at Eastwell Manor in on 29 October 1875. The event marked her life and legacy, highlighting her extraordinary contributions to history, diplomacy, and cultural heritage.

Guests were welcomed at Ashford Cinema with an exclusive viewing of a photo documentary exhibition on the Queen's life and accomplishments, produced by Peleș National Museum in collaboration with The National History Museum of Romania, as well as traditional Romanian cuisine and a display of traditional dress. 

They were then invited into one of the cinema auditoriums for a specially curated programme of speeches, talks and a film showing. 

The Mayor of Ashford, Councillor Lyn Suddards, formally opened the proceedings discussing the close relationship between the Ashford Borough and Romania, after which Her Excellency Laura Popescu, Ambassador of Romania to the United Kingdom, and Aura Woodward, Director of the Romanian Cultural Institute, each delivered remarks commemorating the event.

The evening proceeded with a reading by a student from St Stefan the Great, a Romanian Saturday School, followed by a lecture delivered by historian and broadcaster Dr Tessa Dunlop. Dr Dunlop has conducted extensive research on Queen Marie of Romania, focusing on the Queen’s involvement during the First World War, her support for Romania’s entry into the Entente, and her significance as both a cultural and symbolic figure. It was a powerful talk that really embodied Queen Marie’s cultural significance on a world stage. 

The evening ended with a film screening of the documentary Marie, Heart of Romania, a Chainsaw Film production.

Tracey Kerly, Chief Executive of Ashford Borough Council, stated: “It was an honour to commemorate Queen Marie of Romania’s life in collaboration with representatives from the Romanian Cultural Institute in London. We take great pride in her origins within our borough, as well as the significant impact she made across Europe. We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the organisation of this memorable evening.”

Aura Woodward, Director of the Romanian Cultural Institute in London said: “The Romanian Cultural Institute in London was thrilled to join Ashford Borough Council and our Romanian community in Kent to reflect on the life and incredible legacy of Queen Marie of Romania. Born in Kent 150 years ago, she played a major role in Romania’s modern history. It’s been incredibly special for us to celebrate Queen Marie as a writer, as an artist and as a stateswoman and to conclude our events in Ashford.”

In 2018, a statue of Queen Marie was unveiled in the plaza at Elwick Place, Ashford, to mark 100 years since the unification of Romania in 1918.