On May 9, 2025, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, made a poignant visit to Guernsey to participate in the celebrations commemorating the 80th anniversary of the island’s liberation from German occupation during World War II. This significant event gathered islanders, many of whom had lived through the dark years of the occupation, to reflect on their past and honor the sacrifices made by their predecessors.
The royal visit was marked by a solemn yet jubilant atmosphere, allowing residents to share their personal stories from the time of occupation. Princess Anne expressed her gratitude and happiness at being welcomed back to Guernsey. During a church service, she stated, “I am delighted to return to Guernsey and thank you for inviting me to join you as you celebrate Liberation Day and remember those who lived through occupation or deportation.” This sentiment encapsulated the royal family’s recognition of the profound impact that the occupation had on the island and its community.
In a stirring moment, Princess Anne articulated King Charles III’s warm regards for the people of Guernsey, relaying his fond memories from a visit he made to the island alongside Queen Camilla the previous year. “The King sends his warmest greetings,” she conveyed to the crowd, highlighting the continued royal interest and support for the island’s residents.
As part of the festivities, Princess Anne not only attended the memorial services but also interacted extensively with the locals, including those who shared harrowing experiences from the war. One resonating encounter was with 85-year-old Winnie Keyho, who recounted her experiences as a child during the occupation. She described the relief brought by Canadian food parcels and the joy of tasting chocolate, which was a rarity during the deprivation of war years. Keyho reflected on these memories, recalling her struggles and the emotional complexities that haunted her childhood, including an incident where she was reprimanded for taking chewing gum from a German soldier.
The day also featured cultural elements, as 64-year-old Sally Robert presented a poem based on her father-in-law’s wartime letters. The emotional weight of Robert’s words captured the spirit of resilience and remembrance, emphasizing the importance of preserving the rich history of the island’s past, with her saying, “I think we can never ever forget and remember all the stories we’ve been told.”
The crowds gathered in St. Peter Port to witness the royal visit engaged with both joy and nostalgia. Many expressed their thoughts and memories, creating a tapestry of personal histories that intertwined with the broader narrative of Guernsey’s struggle and triumph. Among those sharing their memories was Jeff Nicolson, 83, who expressed his surprise at the sudden presence of the princess near his home, referring to the moment as an unexpected yet delightful event.
In addition to the church service and community interactions, Princess Anne’s itinerary included further engagements in the nearby island of Sark, as part of continued Liberation Day celebrations. This visit underscores not just a commemoration of a historical event, but also the ongoing connection between the royal family and the islands off the coast of mainland Britain, which have their unique narratives of struggle, resilience, and community spirit.
Through her visit, Princess Anne affirmed the significance of remembering the past while encouraging the healing and solidarity that accompany such reflections. The stories and experiences shared throughout these commemorative days will contribute to the ongoing legacy of the island, ensuring that the lessons learned from the past continue to resonate for future generations.
