Princess Anne to visit Guernsey and Sark for Liberation 80

Princess Anne will join islanders for two days of commemoration and celebration this May to mark the 80th anniversary of the Bailiwick's Liberation.

The Princess Royal, daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the only sister of King Charles III, will visit Guernsey on 9 May and Sark the following day, as each island marks 80 years of freedom from German rule.

We know Princess Anne will take part in a number of official engagements during the visit, including meeting people who lived through the Occupation, including evacuees and veterans.

More details will be announced closer to the time.

The Princess Royal last visited the islands in 2018.

Guernsey's Lieutenant-Governor General Richard Cripwell says a royal visit is fitting for such a significant anniversary.

"It will be a great privilege to welcome The Princess Royal to the Bailiwick as Europe marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War.

"The occupation and liberation of these islands remain within living memory, offering a powerful reminder of the value of freedom and the cost of defending it."

The Head of Guernsey's top political Committee Deputy Lyndon Trott says it will be a privilege to celebrate with Her Royal Highness.

“Given The Princess Royal’s interest in and appreciation of military and naval history, we are delighted to have this opportunity to share this 80th Liberation anniversary with her, as we mark this important moment in the history of our island.

"Preparations are well underway across the community for a fantastic celebration, and we are grateful to everyone who is working hard to make it a success.”

This will be Guernsey's third royal visit in less than a year, as King Charles III and Queen Camilla came in July 2024 and Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh visited in August 2024.

Time constraints meant that King Charles could not visit Sark in the summer, though His Majesty did meet Sark delegations at Les Cotils.

The Seigneur of Sark Christopher Beaumont says he is glad the smaller island can be more involved this time.

“We look forward to receiving The Princess Royal on 10 May, as our island celebrates 80 years of freedom.

"It is a privilege to welcome her back and share with her Sark’s distinct and fascinating role during the Occupation years, as well as showcasing the island today.

"Our island has many unique and often-unheard stories to tell from the Occupation, and this anniversary gives us an excellent opportunity to tell those stories and remember those who were evacuated, and then returned after Liberation to rebuild our community.”