Princess Anne has marked a significant milestone in royal history, becoming the first member of the Royal Family to visit the remote island of Little Sark.
The 74-year-old Princess Royal made the historic journey as part of her official trip to Guernsey and Sark, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Bailiwick.
A Royal First on Little Sark
Accompanied by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Anne arrived by boat and continued her journey to La Coupée — a narrow isthmus connecting Sark to Little Sark — via horse and carriage. Dressed in a green jacket, dark trousers, and her signature sunglasses, Anne’s visit marked a royal first for Little Sark.
A Trip Rich in Wartime History
During her visit, Anne learned about two significant British commando raids from World War II: Operation Basalt (October 1942) and Operation Hardtack (December 1943), which targeted German positions on Sark. These raids were vital for gathering intelligence and capturing prisoners. The Princess Royal walked along the East Coast Path, absorbing the history of these daring missions.
Celebrating Sark’s Wartime Legacy
Anne’s tour included a visit to la Société Sercquaise, a charity focused on conservation and heritage, where she viewed archaeological artifacts and met with local volunteers. She also attended the Sark Liberation Celebrations at The Avenue, meeting members of the Liberated Generation.
In a symbolic act, Anne planted a silver birch tree and toured a Second World War exhibition at Old Island Hall. She also visited the Sark Observatory, where she observed the sun through a solar telescope.
A Full Schedule in Guernsey
Before heading to Sark, Anne spent the day in Guernsey, attending a military parade at St. Peter Port seafront and reading during a commemorative service at Town Church. She also interacted with local school children and explored the Liberation Trail exhibition, which highlights the islanders’ experiences during the Nazi occupation.
Remembering the Occupation
Between 1940 and 1945, the Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles occupied by German forces. Guernsey was liberated on May 9, 1945, followed by Sark on May 10. Princess Anne’s visit formed part of a series of engagements to honor the islands’ wartime history and liberation.
