King Charles and Queen Camilla commenced a two-day visit to the Channel Islands on Monday, beginning with their arrival in Jersey.
Charles, aged 75, and Camilla, who turns 77 on Wednesday, participated in a special session of the States Assembly and the Royal Court in the capital, St Helier.
Following this, they toured a large-scale outdoor exhibition showcasing Jersey’s agriculture, fishing, and aquaculture industries, as well as the island’s progress towards achieving net zero emissions.
However, the royal couple’s engagement was briefly interrupted due to a “false alarm”. Camilla was enjoying an ice cream when a member of the royal entourage whispered something to her. Both she and Charles were then escorted to the nearby Pomme d’Or hotel.
It was later determined that a concern raised by a member of the visit team was unfounded after a thorough investigation. Following a comprehensive background check, the scheduled programme resumed shortly thereafter.
States Assembly
The King is known as the Duke of Normandy on the Channel Islands – dating from when William the Conqueror’s son, Henry I, seized the Duchy of Normandy, including the islands, in 1106.
Large crowds gathered to greet the King and Queen as they arrived in Royal Square, where the special sitting of the States Assembly, the island’s parliament comprising 49 elected members, was convened. The Bailiff, as President of the States Assembly, read out a Loyal Address marking the visit and His Majesty read a response.
Steeped in History
The sitting then transitioned to a Sitting of the Royal Court. Following the prayer of the Royal Court spoken in French, five of the senior Seigneurs of the Island paid homage to the King, a duty which is expected of them on the sovereign’s visit to the island. The Homage included the gifting of locally laid duck eggs as a symbol of sustenance.
All Smiles
The King and Queen beamed as they took part in the ceremony in St Helier. Their Majesties last visited Jersey in 2012 as The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to mark Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee year.
King Charles’ Title
The King is known as the Duke of Normandy on the Channel Islands – dating from when William the Conqueror’s son, Henry I, seized the Duchy of Normandy, including the islands, in 1106.
Braving the Rain
The royal couple could be seen roaring with laughter as they braved the rain during The King’s Parade.
Jersey Expo
At the Expo, Camilla met with representatives from the Jersey Fishermen’s Association, producers from the Royal Bay of Grouville, Matt Taylor, owner of Jersey Sea Salt, Ceramicist Claire Haithwaite and Peter Tarrant from Jersey Oysters. And she made a few four-legged friends along the way!
Making Friends
Camilla, who has two rescue dogs of her own, Beth and Bluebell, acquainted herself with a new four-legged friend on the island during her tour of the Expo.
Meeting Veterans
King Charles and Queen Camilla completed their visit with a tea party at the Pomme d’Or Hotel. Guests included veterans, royal patronages and representatives of the emergency services.
The monarch took the opportunity to speak with 100-year-old Ernest Thorne, Jersey’s last D-Day Veteran.
