A public holiday announced for the visit to Guernsey by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, with the Government of Jersey proposing the same approach.
His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla will be visiting the Islands on Monday 16th July.
Guernsey’s Committee for Economic Development agreed that a public holiday is right to recognise the historic significance of the first visit of His Majesty King Charles III, since his Accession to the throne. The Committee took into account the importance of Guernsey’s constitutional relationship as a Crown Dependency, and the tradition of holding a public holiday for the visits by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, dating back to 1957.
The President of the Committee for Economic Development, Deputy Neil Inder said: “I’m extremely pleased to be able to announce the decision by our Committee to hold a public holiday for the visit by Their Majesties, their first as King and Queen. It is an historic occasion and a cause for celebration.
“I do appreciate that this decision unavoidably comes at short notice for some, including those who will still need to staff their businesses and services.
“Ordinarily we would have taken time to consult with them but I’m sure they’ll appreciate the speed at which we have had to make this decision, given how soon the visit will be. Most of all, I hope the public holiday will afford as many people as possible the opportunity to come out to see Their Majesties while they are here.”
In Jersey, the Council of Ministers will lodge a draft amendment in the States Assembly that, if approved, would provide for a public holiday on Monday 15 July 2024 when the Island will host the King and Queen.
This follows consultation with the Bailiff’s Consultative Panel, and the Comité des Connétables.
The Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham said: “The visit of Their Majesties is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our longstanding and loyal relationship with the Crown, and we are proposing a public holiday to mark this special occasion and to enable as many Islanders as possible to enjoy the day.”
Picture credit: royal.uk
