'38 Years of Friendship' Between Samsung and the UK... Lee Jae-yong's Attendance at the Late Elizabeth's Funeral Draws Attention

Visit to Winyard Complex During the Lifetime of the Late Chairman Lee Kun-hee in 1995

Late Chairman Lee Kun-hee of Samsung Electronics and the late Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom posing together at the completion ceremony of the Samsung Electronics complex in Wynyard, UK, on October 13, 1995. (Photo by Samsung Electronics)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok]

"Samsung's Wynyard Complex symbolizes the cooperation between Samsung and the local community here. We are pleased to officially declare the completion of Wynyard Park, opening a new chapter in economic cooperation between the two countries."

This was the message delivered to Samsung by the late Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom on October 13, 1995, when she took a photo with the late Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Kun-hee at the completion ceremony of the Samsung Electronics Wynyard Complex in the UK.

According to the business community on the 18th, following Queen Elizabeth's passing, Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong is reported to have traveled to the UK after visiting Latin America, sparking speculation that he may attend the funeral. In particular, attention is focused on the past relationship between the late Chairman Lee Kun-hee and Queen Elizabeth.

It is reported that Vice Chairman Lee is actively conducting business meetings in the UK. For this reason, there is also talk that he may accompany President Yoon Suk-yeol, who will visit the UK on the 19th (local time), to attend the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Samsung Electronics' connection with the UK dates back 38 years to 1984. At that time, Samsung Electronics established a local sales corporation and officially entered the UK market. Since then, it has maintained a special relationship with the British royal family.

The late Queen Elizabeth II personally gave a congratulatory speech at the completion ceremony of Samsung Electronics' Wynyard home appliance factory in the UK in 1995. The ceremony was attended by the Queen and many members of the royal family. At that time, Chairman Lee Kun-hee met the Queen, who arrived by royal train, exchanged greetings, and together pressed the switch to start the production line. It was unusual for the Queen to give an official speech at a foreign company's event, which became a topic of discussion at the time.

In 2006, Samsung Electronics was selected as a supplier of TVs to the British royal family, and currently provides not only TVs and refrigerators but also washing machines, dishwashers, and Air Dressers, covering a wide range of home appliances. In May, Samsung Electronics also received the 'Queen Royal Warrant,' the highest honor awarded by the British royal family in the home appliance sector.

Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics UK has posted a condolence statement on the front banner of its homepage since the day of Queen Elizabeth's passing on the 8th (local time). The homepage features a black-and-white photo of the Queen along with the message: "We mourn the passing of Her Majesty the Queen with the same sorrow as the British people. We extend our deepest condolences to the royal family and commemorate the Queen's significant contributions, dedicating her life to society."