Photo by Paula M.

18 MAY, 2006 - A 70th birthday party was thrown for Swiss-born Ursula Andress by the Swiss Government to mark the opening of Switzerland’s new Consulate-General in Scotland. It was one of a series of events being held to raise awareness of Switzerland in Scotland.

Approximately one hundred specially invited guests arrived on the red carpet, away from public gaze, in front of the Royal Yacht Britannia which is moored at Ocean Terminal in Leith, Edinburgh. Guests included Lauriane Gillieron (Miss Switzerland, 2005/2006), Swiss rock singer Natacha and European supermodel turned actress Michelle Hunziker.

Ursula was driven up the red carpet in James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 (displaying its Swiss number plate), one of the actual gadget cars used to promote Goldfinger and Thunderball. Leaving the car she shouted back, “Thank you, James!” much to the delight of the waiting press photographers. Wearing a stunning haute couture evening dress from Dior Paris (designed by John Galliano) she was received on the red carpet by her former partner Harry Hamlin and their son Dimitri. As they walked up the gang plank to the Yacht, ‘007’ deployed the Aston Martin’s rear smoke screen to the star’s amusement.