General Secretary's spouse welcomes the Duke of Richmond in Hanoi
WVR - On the afternoon of February 24, at the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts, Madam Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of General Secretary To Lam, had a cordial meeting with the Duke of Richmond Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, and Duchess during their visit to Vietnam.
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| Madam Ngo Phuong Ly welcomes Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, the Duke of Richmond, and Duchess at the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
Taking place in the early days of the Bính Ngọ Spring 2026, the meeting reflected the appreciation and continuation of the positive relations nurtured during General Secretary To Lam's visit to the United Kingdom in October 2025. Madam Ngo Phuong Ly expressed her delight at meeting the Duke and Duchess again in Vietnam, emphasizing the significance of cultural exchange in strengthening the foundation of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Choosing the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts – home to over 21,000 exemplary artworks, including many national treasures – as the meeting venue conveyed a profound message of respect for heritage and the aspiration for cultural dialogue. Madam Ngo Phuong Ly is confident that this first visit to Vietnam will leave a lasting impression on the Duke and Duchess, opening up numerous opportunities for cultural exchange and cooperation in the future.
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, the Duke and Duchess shared their special interest in the arts and heritage of nations, eager to delve deeper into Vietnam's rich culture and creative identity.
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| Madam Ngo Phuong Ly welcomes Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, the Duke of Richmond, and Duchess to tour the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
In the museum's exhibition space, the Duke and Duchess toured collections of fine arts from various historical periods, admiring many artifacts recognized as national treasures, such as the Thousand-Handed Thousand-Eyed Guan Yin statue (But Thap Pagoda), the statue of Empress Trinh Thi Ngọc Trúc (early 17th century), the dragon-carved door (Keo Pagoda), and the screen by renowned painter Nguyen Gia Tri.
Sharing insights on the unique values of Vietnamese fine arts, Madam Ngo Phuong Ly highlighted that art is a borderless language that brings nations closer. While British painting captivates the world with its classical beauty and historical depth, Vietnamese fine arts are a delicate blend of inner depth and the vibrant colours of the tropical nature.
The Duke and Duchess expressed their admiration for the richness of materials and techniques, particularly interested in lacquer art – a form creatively adapted, embodying the traditional essence and innovative spirit of the Vietnamese people.
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| Madam Ngo Phuong Ly welcomes Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, the Duke of Richmond, and Duchess to tour the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
Leaving the exhibition space, Madam Ngo Phuong Ly and the Duke and Duchess visited an exhibition themed "Horses in Visual Arts", showcasing 60 outstanding works depicting horses in various materials. The exhibition gathered creations from renowned artists like Nguyen Tu Nghiem, Ngo Manh Lan, Tran Khanh Chuong, To Ngoc Van, and Bui Xuan Phai. On the occasion of the Bính Ngọ year, the horse – a symbol of aspiration, perseverance, and integration – holds even more significance in connection and development.
Within the program's framework, Madam Ngo Phuong Ly and the Duke and Duchess enjoyed unique artistic performances by artists from the Vietnam Water Puppet Theater.
Fascinated by this unique folk art form, the Duke expressed a desire to learn more. Madam Ngo Phuong Ly hoped that Vietnamese water puppetry would soon be introduced at cultural programs and festivals in the United Kingdom, thereby bringing Vietnamese culture closer to the international audience.
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| Madam Ngo Phuong Ly and Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, the Duke of Richmond, and his wife enjoy tea and watch special performances in front of the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts. (Photo: Quang Hòa) |
On the occasion of the New Spring, Madam Ngo Phuong Ly graciously presented the Duke and Duchess with a horse mascot, wishing them health and success, while expressing confidence that their experiences with Vietnamese art, tea, and traditional Tet atmosphere would become cherished memories of Vietnam and its people.
The meeting took place in a sincere and warm atmosphere, further affirming the role of cultural diplomacy in building trust, enhancing understanding, and deepening the friendship between Vietnam and the United Kingdom. The Duke and Duchess expressed their desire to return to Vietnam to experience more of its cultural beauty, beautiful landscapes, and friendly, hospitable people.
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| Madam Ngo Phuong Ly and the Duke and Duchess enjoy special performances by artists from the Vietnam Water Puppet Theater. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
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| The Duke of Richmond and Duchess experience controlling water puppetry. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
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| Madam Ngo Phuong Ly presents the Duke of Richmond and Duchess with a horse mascot. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
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| Madam Ngo Phuong Ly with the Duke of Richmond and Duchess pose with puppeteers. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
