TODAY’S Royal Visit is set to go ahead as planned despite concerns about the impact of inclement weather.
The Bailiff’s Chambers released a statement on Sunday evening confirming that it will proceed with the “dry weather programme” following a meeting between the Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, and Lieutenant-Governor, Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd.
“It is felt that this will allow as many Islanders as possible to come together to experience this historic occasion,” the statement said.
Sir Timothy said: “Given the hard work that has already been put into the designing and delivery of this Royal VIsit, His Excellency and I believe that we should progress with our dry weather programme.
“Invited guests and members of the public are advised to dress appropriately for the possible inclement weather.”
According to Jersey Met, from midday onwards, there will be sunny periods but the odd heavy shower likely early afternoon and again towards dusk.
St Helier will be the focus of the afternoon’s visit, with the first chance to see the King and Queen at the People’s Park as Their Majesties watch the final seven rounds of a 21-gun salute by members of the 1781 Militia.
Islanders wishing to watch the gun salute should be in position on the Westmount Road by 1pm.
Their Majesties will then process to the Royal Square, where there will be special sittings of the States Assembly and the Royal Court.
If people wish to view this, there are tiered seats and an area for wheelchairs and those with accessibility issues alongside the Royal Square. There will also be standing areas alongside the United Club and Royal Court building.
Access to these areas, via Vine Street, will open at 11.30am and close at 12.40pm.
Upon departure from the Royal Square, there will be opportunities along Mulcaster Street for the public.
Local produce will feature as part of a “Jersey Expo” at the Weighbridge, with the event open to the public until 6pm, after King Charles and Queen Camilla have completed their visit, and on Tuesday 16 July between 10am and 4pm.
The royal couple will then present the King’s Colour to the Jersey Sea Cadets and head to the Pomme d’Or Hotel to meet guests of a tea party, which will take place inside.
Islanders should gather in areas around Mulcaster Street and Liberation Square to watch the parade, which will comprise the Band of the Island of Jersey, Jersey Field Squadron, Veterans, Blue Light services, Cadet units, Scouts, Guides and more.
The Royal Visit will also be livestreamed from 1pm, and the Family Zone at Parade Gardens will be open from 10am where the public can watch the livestream and take part in children’s activities.
ROAD CLOSURES
All roads adjacent to the Royal Square, Weighbridge Place and Liberation Square will be closed between 6am and 6pm.
Eastbound traffic will be reduced to a single lane of the Esplanade and Route de la Libération during the day.
The Tunnel will remain open for most of the day to maintain movement of traffic, but for operational reasons the police will close it for around one hour in the afternoon.
The roads around the Parade will be closed from 11am to allow members of the public visiting the family zone at the Don Monument to do so safely.
St Aubin’s Road will be closed from 12pm for safe operation of the events at the People’s Park until the road is clear of the Royal party and the public.
Islanders planning to drive around St Helier on Monday are asked to be patient and allow extra time for journeys.
PARKING
On-street parking is suspended today at the People’s Park, St Aubin’s Road, Cheapside, the Parade (excluding emergency parking), Charing Cross, Broad Street, New Street, Library Place, the Weighbridge, the Esplanade, Pier Road, Grenville Street and the New North Quay.
In addition to the usual provision of floors one and two, floor three of Sand Street has been allocated as disabled parking.
BUS STATION
On Monday, there will be a temporary bus station operating from the Esplanade from 10am.
TAXIS
There will be two temporary taxi ranks in place, as Library Place and the Weighbridge are closed. These will be located at the Steam Clock and on Grenville Street.
For more information, visit here: https://www.gov.je/Leisure/Events/WhatsOn/RoyalVisit/pages/home.aspx
