A TEA party in Liberation Square is among the highlights of a packed itinerary for King Charles III and Queen Camilla when they arrive in Jersey.
The royal couple, whose visit marks the first time in 19 years that the Island has played host to a reigning monarch, will be welcomed by a 21-gun salute and later have the chance to sample Jersey produce and watch a marching parade.
Further details have been revealed today of the royal visit, which takes place on Monday 15 July, which, following a vote in the States, will be a public holiday for Islanders.
The Bailiff’s Chambers said the schedule had been arranged to ensure “plenty of opportunities for the general public to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy this historic occasion”.
St Helier will be the focus of the visit, with the first chance to see the King and Queen being at the People’s Park as they watch the final seven rounds of a 21-gun salute by members of the 1781 Militia, who will be firing the Duke of Edinburgh Battery.
Nods to the Island’s centuries-long loyalty to the Crown will be a feature of the agenda, with the royal couple processing into the States Chamber behind the Royal Mace, which was gifted to the Island by King Charles II in 1663 in recognition of Jersey’s support during the English Civil War.
Both the States Assembly and the Royal Court will hold special sittings, with the latter including what the Bailiff’s Chambers has described as “a special homage involving the Island’s Seigneurs”.
While it is understood that there will be no repeat of the Seigneurial presentation of a brace of mallards to the monarch, as on previous royal visits, duck eggs may be given as a modern-day alternative to the traditional gift.
Local produce will continue to feature as part of a “Jersey Expo” at the Weighbridge, with the event also open to the public on Tuesday 16 July between 10am and 4pm following the royal visit.
With barely a pause for breath, King Charles and Queen Camilla will then present the King’s Colour to the Jersey Sea Cadets as the groups marks its 75th anniversary, and then take their seats on a dais in front of the Pomme d’Or Hotel for a parade involving the Band of the Island of Jersey, the Jersey Field Squadron, veteran members of the Armed Forces, “blue light” services, cadet units, Scouts and Guides.
A community tea party will feature a cross-section of Islanders invited to Liberation Square to meet Their Majesties, and on departure the King and Queen will pass through a guard of honour lining the Esplanade in front of Liberation Station.
Viewing platforms will be in place at various points throughout the day to enable Islanders to see the royal visitors, while it will also be possible to follow the action through an online streaming broadcast.
Further details, including timings, are expected to be released in the media and at gov.je/royalvisitjersey in the days leading up to the visit.
