Bank holiday announced for King Charles state visit - but there’s a catch

Much to the delight of the public, a special Bank Holiday has been announced for King Charles and Queen Camilla's upcoming state visit - but there's a catch!

The bank holiday will be held in Guernsey, as announced by The Committee for Economic Development in Guernsey, to mark the historical significance of the first visit of His Majesty King Charles III, since his accession to the throne. The royal couple will travel to Jersey on July 15 and then to Guernsey on July 16 for the two-day whistlestop trip.

The Guernsey government stated that 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 the late 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 a historic occasion and a cause for celebration."

Speaking proudly of the visit, Neil continued: "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."

The States of Guernsey announced that "a special public holiday will be held in Guernsey on 16 July".

During the visit, the royal programme is due to include meeting local politicians and a centuries-old ceremony of homage to His Majesty, held outdoors on the St Peter Port seafront where islanders can come to watch the event.

The King and Queen will then go to Crown Pier in Guernsey to learn more about the island's environment, heritage and traditions. The showcase will also include the ongoing work to promote local food production and biodiversity initiatives.

The Bailiff of Guernsey, Sir Richard McMahon said: "It will be a great privilege to welcome Their Majesties to the Bailiwick for the first time as King and Queen; the year after their Coronation.  Their visit this summer shows just how special the relationship between the Crown and the Islands is." 

Also speaking about the upcoming visit, deputy Lyndon Trott, Chief Minister of Guernsey, said: "As is well known, His Majesty also has a special interest in global efforts to combat climate change.

"We are looking forward to showcasing our initiatives to support those efforts and promote sustainability across a range of sectors. That includes the pioneering green finance initiatives of our main economic sector, which have a global impact."

Charles and Camilla, as Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, last visited the Channel Islands during the Diamond Jubilee year of 2012.

King Charles has resumed some public duties this year as he continues to be treated for cancer. He temporarily stopped most of his public engagements after his diagnosis in February, but is now undertaking a full summer programme of appearances.