"May the new year bring you peace, happiness, and prosperity."

The UK's King Charles III sent a letter to Deng Zhuting, president of the London Chinatown Chinese Association, or LCCA, the organizer of Sunday's gathering, expressing his warmest wishes to all those at the celebration.

In his letter, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer thanked the British Chinese community for its valuable contributions to the nation. "I hope we can all strive for the characteristics of wisdom and determination that embodies those born in the Year of the Snake," he wrote.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said in a letter: "Happy Chinese and Lunar New Year to all those celebrating in London and around the world. The Year of the Snake encourages us to reflect on our lives and look at ourselves and the world with a new perspective."