Additional details published for the visit to Guernsey by His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla

Friday 05 July 2024

Further details are available today on the upcoming visit to Guernsey by His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla on 16 July, including the best locations for people to see Their Majesties while they are here.

The visit is their first as King and Queen, following His Majesty's Accession in September 2022, and reaffirms the centuries-old relationship between the Bailiwick of Guernsey (including the jurisdictions of Guernsey, Alderney and Sark) and the Crown.

The latest details are available at www.gov.gg/royalvisit2024

Special States sitting and Ceremony of Homage:

Their Majesties will arrive on the St Peter Port seafront late morning, where His Majesty the King will preside over a short special sitting of the States of Deliberation, held outdoors where the community can watch the proceedings.

The States sitting will be immediately followed by a Ceremony of Homage, a tradition that has historically been observed when the Monarch first visits Guernsey. The ceremony is held in French, where historic title-holders, Seigneurs and Dames of small parcels of land known as 'Fiefs', will pay homage to His Majesty.

Unveiling of the plaque at Crown Pier:

After the Ceremony of Homage, Their Majesties will head to the landward end of the Crown Pier to unveil a special plaque commemorating their visit. The location is the same as that where the Proclamation of His Majesty was made in 2022 in the days following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Showcase of Guernsey culture, heritage, produce and environmental initiative:

After the unveiling of the plaque, The King and Queen will walk down Crown Pier where a series of demonstrations and stalls will showcase Guernsey's rich heritage including the island's native language Guernesiais; local produce such as seafood, cider, and the famously high-quality Guernsey milk; as well as traditional, locally-made Guernseys. They will also meet groups who work to preserve and enhance our natural environment and biodiversity, including the Nature Commission and La Société Guernesiaise.

The RNLI lifeboats 'Spirit of Guernsey' and 'Harold Hobbs' will be moored at pontoons alongside the Crown Pier, as will the St John marine ambulance 'The Flying Christine' and Their Majesties will have an opportunity to meet crew members of both organisations.

After Their Majesties have left the St Peter Port seafront, the stalls and demonstrations on Crown Pier will remain in place for the afternoon, giving Islanders a chance to discover more about the various organisations and producers.

Where can I see Their Majesties on the St Peter Port seafront?

The community is invited to the seafront to witness the States sitting and Ceremony of Homage, and the other activities on the seafront.

Large screens at both ends of the seafront will also broadcast the events, and people will be able to watch online on the States of Guernsey Facebook page and www.gov.gg/royalvisit2024.

Please take into account that it may be a hot day, and bring with you water, food, sun-cream and dress appropriately for the weather.

While we look forward to seeing as many people as possible, in the event of extremely high numbers of people attending, it may be necessary to restrict access in order to ensure the safety of all members of the community.

How should I get to the St Peter Port seafront?

The St Peter Port seafront will be closed throughout Sunday 14 July (when a Seafront Sunday is taking place), Monday 15 July and Tuesday 16 July.

People are encouraged to use public transport, walk and cycle, to the seafront on Tuesday.

On Monday and Tuesday, the Town bus terminus will temporarily relocate to North Beach. On the Tuesday, buses will be operating a Saturday service.

The following parking restrictions will be in place:

The Crown Pier will be closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

The Albert Pier will be closed on Sunday, and closed from 6pm Mon to 8am Tues. On Tuesday, spaces near the entrance to the Pier will be available for cycle parking and overflow cycle parking will be available on the arm of the Pier. There will also be provision of spaces for blue badge holders.

On Sunday, the whole of the North Beach car park will be closed but the east side of the car park will be available on the Monday and Tuesday.

Additional motorcycle parking will be provided at South Esplanade, where the buses normally stop to pick up/drop off and in the bus holding area.

There will also be some road closures in St Peter Port, for short periods, while Their Majesties travel to and from the seafront.

Cambridge Park Family Event - an alternative opportunity to see Their Majesties on a large screen and as they drive by:

Some people may of course prefer not to be on the seafront when it will be very busy, such as people who have small children, or people who prefer to avoid crowds or long periods of standing.

Their Majesties will be visiting Les Cotils in the afternoon for a special event with delegations from Sark and Alderney.

They will travel by car past Cambridge Park on their way to and from Les Cotils.

There will be food retailers and children's entertainment at Cambridge Park throughout the day, kindly supported by the St Peter Port Parish officials. People are also encouraged to take picnics and blankets, providing an opportunity for Islanders to enjoy a less crowded and more informal opportunity to see Their Majesties. There will be a large screen in the park that will livestream the morning's events at the seafront, and the afternoon's event at Les Cotils. It is expected there will be an opportunity to see Their Majesties as they drive past on their way to Les Cotils.

Les Cotils - Alderney and Sark:

At Les Cotils, delegations from Alderney and Sark will meet the King and Queen and have an opportunity to showcase various aspects of each Island's community, culture, history and environmental projects. Alderney's delegation, led by the President of the States of Alderney, and Sark's will be led by the Seigneur. There will be representatives from a number of community groups. Young people from Sark school and St Anne's School in Alderney will also be attendance and perform a short recital showcasing each island's unique history and culture.

Livestream:

Two live broadcasts - of the events in St Peter Port, and later at Les Cotils - will be available online on the States of Guernsey Facebook page and www.gov.gg/royalvisit2024.

More information:

Information on the visit is available at www.gov.gg/royalvisit2024, and further updates will be published between now and Tuesday 16 July.

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