As part of ongoing celebrations marking 125 years of official diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Kuwait, two grandchildren of the late Lt. Col. Harold Dickson, a former British Political Agent to Kuwait, and his wife Violet, also known as Umm Saud, arrived in Kuwait City.
Their week-long visit is to pay homage to the Dicksons’ legacy, with Harold Dickson serving as a British Political Agent from 1929-1936 and briefly in 1941. The visit highlights the enduring historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
The visit, organized by Mr. Essa Yahya Dashti BEM, a researcher on Kuwaiti-British relations, in collaboration with the National Library of Kuwait, will bring Stephen and Penny Freeth to Kuwait City, to open an exhibition titled ‘Dickson Family Memories in Kuwait’ at the National Library.
During their stay, they will reconnect with old family friends, including the Al-Hendal family, H.E. Sheikha Halah Bader Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Mrs. Claudia Al-Rashood, and Mrs. Vera Al-Mutawa.
The Freeths will also explore historically significant sites in Kuwait City, such as Dickson House, where they lived with their late grandmother, Violet (Umm Saud), until 1990.
The Freeths’ visit commenced with a heartfelt ceremony at the British Embassy in Kuwait, where they attended a special ‘Service of Thanks’ honoring the legacy of their late grandfather, Lt. Col. Harold Dickson, at his graveside.
The service was attended by prominent figures, including; The Reverend Dr. Michael Mbona; The British Ambassador to Kuwait, H. E. Mrs. Belinda Lewis; Mr. Jaber Al-Hendal, a long-time friend of the Dickson family, and Mr. Essa Yahya Dashti BEM.
Moreover, Mr. Dashti remarked that he was pleased to cooperate with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, specifically the National Library of Kuwait, to host for the second time, the family of the Late Lt. Col. Harold and Mrs. Violet Dickson in the State of Kuwait.
The Dickson family holds a deep and lasting connection to Kuwait’s history, and their legacy continues to be warmly cherished by the Kuwaiti people. This enduring affection is evident in Kuwait’s steadfast commitment to preserving Dickson House, the family’s home for 61 years.
The Dickson family’s visit symbolizes the strength of relations between the Kuwaiti people and their British friends, who despite differences in language and traditions; are united by respect and love for each other.
Furthermore, The British Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, H. E. Belinda Lewis stated that the Dickson family is part of the very fabric of Kuwait, with a legacy of important contributions to diplomacy, economy, horticulture, and tribal society. Today’s service paid tribute to this shared story of progress, which will continue to reflect throughout Stephen and Penny’s visit.
Lt. Col. Harold and Mrs. Violet Dickson’s grandson, Stephen Freeth, expressed his joy at returning to Kuwait, saying that he and Penny are delighted to be back in Kuwait.
They have always been very proud of their grandparents’ genuine love for the Arab people and culture and their contributions to local history, hoping that the relationship between Kuwait and Britain continues to grow in the spirit of mutual respect, admiration, and cooperation, stated Stephen.
