On a rain sodden day, Jersey received its first visit of a Sovereign since 2005. King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, spoke at a gathering in the Royal Square, where his predecessor, Charles II, had been proclaimed King in 1649, some 11 years before he was restored to the throne in 1660, and where his accession to the throne was pronounced in 2022.
The King's visit, based on the themes of community, Commonwealth and conservation, included tea with community groups, where the Dean of Jersey, Very Rev Mike Keirle was present along with other faith leaders.
Dean Mike said: "The King was very personable, relaxed and interested in what was happening within our faith communities and we also talked about potatoes!"
The King and Queen stayed overnight in the Island, the first time a Sovereign has done so for more than 350 years, before visiting Guernsey the next day.
The Dean of Guernsey, Tim Barker writes
The sun shone brightly in Guernsey last Tuesday as the Bailiwick welcomed Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla to their first visit since the King’s accession to the throne.
Following a formal meeting of the States of Deliberation (our parliament), at which the Bailiff, Sir Richard McMahon, read a loyal address, and the King responded, we witnessed the ancient ceremonies of homage and fealty, during which a silver cup and spurs were presented to His Majesty (and immediately returned).
After unveiling a commemorative plaque, the King and the Queen visited various stalls on Crown Pier, demonstrating Guernsey’s unique produce.
Their Majesties attended a tea party, to which I, the vice deans, and leaders of other Guernsey churches were invited. It was a great privilege to meet the King and speak with him for a few minutes.
In the afternoon, Their Majesties saw presentations from the islands of Alderney and Sark, and conferred the title ‘Royal’ to the golden Guernsey goats, a rare breed of goat. It was the first time in history the protected title has been granted to a livestock breed.
It was a wonderful, and memorable, day, said Dean TIm.