CORONATION: Jersey’s Connection With The Monarch

Islanders have been sharing their memories of the new monarch as Jersey prepares for King Charles III's coronation.

On the eve of history being made with the crowning of King Charles III, some islanders are recalling the times they met His Majesty.

The new King has a special connection to the island.  As the Prince of Wales, he became patron of the National Trust for Jersey.

CEO Charles Alluto says the charity approached him to see if he would offer his support.

"At that time, he wasn't patron of any charity in Jersey, but he has since also become patron of the (Jersey Heritage) La Cotte project - he did some of the archaeological dig in his late teenage years - so it is lovely that he has got an interest in two things in Jersey, which is great to see."

Picture Credit: Societe Jersiase Photo Archive.

To the Trust's delight, the then Prince Charles accepted and also visited 16 New Street in 2012, where he joked about it having toilets that flush.

Mr Alluto recalls: "He was extremely friendly, with a very warm sense of humour."

The King also took the Trust's acquisition of Plemont seriously and had in-depth conversations with the charity about Jersey's heritage.

During that 2012 visit to the island with his wife Camilla, the now King looked around Grainville School in St Saviour and was captured on camera attempting to have a go on its new climbing wall.

Charles and the then Duchess of Cornwall also visited the Central Market.

Many market vendors met them and spoke with them about things specific to their stalls, such as gardening and produce.

Ian Rayson, from Cockscrew Jersey, says they had the King's favourite champagne open and ready for his arrival.

"They were lovely, it was just nice to meet them, very down to earth and very friendly, a lovely couple."

Nelia Frango, from Market Flowers, says Charles and Camilla were great to talk to.

"He was lovely. He stopped to talk to us and was telling us about gardening and flowers."

The florist also said she was excited to watch the coronation as it is the first she will see.

Before his 2012 visit, Prince Charles had last come to Jersey in 2004 as part of celebrations, marking 800 years of the island's allegiance to the English Crown.

Bailiff Sir Tim Le Cocq and Lieutenant Governor Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd will attend the King's coronation at Westminster Abbey as representatives of the people of Jersey.

👑 Tomorrow’s Coronation Service will take place in the ‘Coronation Theatre’ at the heart of Westminster Abbey.

Here are the key elements of the stage for the first coronation in almost 70 years. pic.twitter.com/wmX5znirET

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 5, 2023