Politics and pomp at Mandarin Oriental hotel's 50th birthday

Britain's finance chief George Osborne and Mayor of London Boris Johnson received the red carpet treatment last night, after their week-long trade mission brought them from the mainland to Hong Kong in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Mandarin Oriental hotel.

Johnson and his entourage were surrounded by guests as they eased their way through the crowds to reach Statue Square in Central. In contrast, Osborne arrived 20 minutes late and was shielded by his political adviser who prevented him from speaking about his mainland visit.

The duo rubbed shoulders in the cool evening breeze with a host of celebrities, including British actress Helen Mirren, dressed in a stunning red dress. But unlike many of the male guests present, neither Osborne nor Johnson was in a tuxedo.

Earlier that night, dignitaries and guests were treated to a spectacular 3-D show beamed onto the Mandarin Oriental's facade.

The animation, accompanied by an eclectic range of music, depicted the hotel's beginnings in 1963 as Hong Kong's tallest tower and the hotel as it stands today.

"I think it's fantastic that this great British company has been such a part of Hong Kong life," Osborne said.