Princess Anne, 74, has shared a deeply personal message from King Charles during commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Guernsey.
Arriving in the Bailiwick alongside her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, the Princess Royal attended a commemorative parade held on the seafront at St. Peter’s Port.
There, she delivered a touching address on behalf of her brother, the King, who used the occasion to express his enduring gratitude and affection for the island’s people.
A Message from the King
In his written message, King Charles paid tribute to the resilience and loyalty of the Guernsey community:
“To my most loyal people in the Island of Guernsey, I send my warmest greetings on this the Eightieth Anniversary of your Liberation from enemy occupation.”
The King reflected on the historical significance of the anniversary and acknowledged the dwindling number of islanders who experienced the hardships of World War II firsthand.
“I was interested to learn that this occasion will be commemorated and celebrated by people of all ages, with a focus on the ever-decreasing number who lived through the War—whether they were evacuees to the United Kingdom, remained in occupied Guernsey, or were forcibly deported to Europe.”
Fond Memories and Enduring Bonds
King Charles also recalled his and Queen Camilla’s visit to Guernsey last summer, describing it as “all-too-brief” but memorable. He reaffirmed the historic and enduring relationship between the Crown and the Channel Islands:
“As always, I am most grateful for your continued allegiance and loyalty, and I am pleased to reaffirm the close ties that have existed for so long between the Crown and the people of the Bailiwick.”
The message concluded on a note of warmth and hope: “My thoughts and prayers remain with you for your future happiness and the prosperity of your beloved Island.”
CHARLES R.
The Princess Royal’s presence at the commemorations and the King’s message served as powerful reminders of the monarchy’s deep connection to Guernsey and its people, particularly on such a momentous day in the island’s history.
