Charles III formally proclaimed King in the Channel Islands

  • Katya Fowler reports on the Channel Islands' Proclamation of the King.


Traditional proclamations announcing the new King, were made across the Channel Islands today.

Thousands of people turned out to watch the ancient ceremonies in Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney and Sark.

While the formal proclamation of the King took place in London on Saturday 10 September, as is tradition the events in the Channel Islands took place a day later.


Watch the Channel Island's proclamation ceremonies in full:


Prince Charles automatically became King following the death of his mother, Her Majesty The Queen, but the proclamation is a constitutional formality to recognise his sovereignty.

In both Jersey and Guernsey, the events started with a States meeting, where the official proclamation was read.

The procession and crowds at Jersey's Royal Square. Credit: ITV Channel TV

In Jersey, the official public proclamation took place in a crowded Royal Square, where the Bailiff Timothy le Coq took to a specially erected platform to make the announcement.

It was followed by a rendition of God save the King, and the 2,500-strong crowd then joined in three cheers for the new King.

Jersey's Chief Minister, Kristina Moore, said: "It was a really moving service, every time the proclamation was read it had a particularly strong significance, I think to everybody who was gathered.

"The most important thing was to see so many people gathered in the Royal Square to witness this historic occasion. It was truly very important and a profound experience."

A 21-gun salute was carried out from Glacis Field before all flags returned to half-mast marking the end of the Proclamation ceremonies in the Crown Dependencies.

Jersey's official proclamation. Credit: ITV Channel TV
Jurats taking an Oath of allegiances in Guernsey. Credit: ITV Channel TV

Following the States sitting in Guernsey, a procession, led by the Corps of Drums of Elizabeth College, made its way from St James down to the Crown pier where crowds of people had gathered to see the public proclamation.

After a fanfare and proclamation read by the Sheriff, Jason Savident, a loud 'Dieu Sauve Le Roi!' was shouted by all those there.

After both islands' public proclamations they were made official in the islands' Royal Courts, where senior officials and members of the States took Oaths or Affirmations of allegiances.

Deputies in Guernsey taking an Oath or affirmation of allegiances. Credit: ITV Channel TV

Guernsey's Lieutenant-Governor, Richard Cripwell, said: "Singing God save the King was extraordinarily special, it's the first time I've done it. It is a memory I will not forget."

The events of the day ended with a 21-gun salute on both islands.

Both Alderney and Sark also held proclamations that were smaller, but just as poignant.

Thousands gathered at the Royal Square for Jersey's proclamation. Credit: ITV Channel TV

In Alderney, the proclamation was read by the President of the States, William Tate, at the Court House, followed by a public gathering at The Island Hall.

A proclamation also took place in Sark, read by Sark’s Prévôt Kevin Adams outside St Peter’s Church. It was attended by members of Chief Pleas and the public.

The Sheriff of Guernsey read the Public Proclamation. Credit: ITV Channel TV