As we prepare to welcome Their Majesties’ King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the island this July, their first visit since 2012 when they came as part of a tour to celebrate the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, we’re taking the opportunity to delve into Jersey’s Royal connection.
Discover how Jersey’s relationship with the Crown came to be, what King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be doing on their Royal island visit and how you can enjoy a holiday fit for a King (or Queen!) during your next Jersey escape.
Jersey’s relationship with the British Crown
Our island boasts a unique and enduring relationship with the United Kingdom and the British Crown. The connection dates back nearly a millennium and is deeply rooted in history.
Jersey’s link to the British Crown began in 1066 with the Norman Conquest of England. William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy, became King of England, bringing the Channel Islands under the English Crown. Despite being geographically closer to France, Jersey and the other Channel Islands remained loyal to the English monarch.
Today, Jersey is a Crown Dependency, meaning it is not part of the United Kingdom but owes allegiance to the British Crown. The island has its own government, legal system, and financial regulations, while the Crown retains responsibility for defence and international representation. This relationship is symbolised by regular Royal visits, such as the upcoming visit by King Charles III, reinforcing the historical and cultural ties between Jersey and the British Crown.
Their Majesties’ 2024 Royal Visit to Jersey
King Charles III has been to Jersey five times over the last seven decades. From Royal visits to excavation projects, we’ve been delighted to welcome His Majesty to the island over the years. We’ll be rolling out the red carpet in July 2024 as Their Majesties’ King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive in Jersey for their overnight visit. They’ll meet friendly locals, try Jersey delicacies and find out what makes our island so special. There will also be a special sitting of the States Assembly and The Royal Court to mark the occasion.
Discover Jersey through the eyes of King Charles III
Whilst Royal schedules only allow for a short visit to the island, those with a little more time on their hands will find plenty to fill their days here in Jersey.
From environmental sustainability to craftsmanship and heritage preservation, discover how you can experience Jersey in a way that honours His Majesty’s dedication to nature, history, and community.
Find your regal residence
How about becoming King or Queen of your very own castle for a long weekend? A stay at Elizabeth Castle might be just the ticket. In Jersey we have some truly unique and historic places to stay that will add a regal twist to your island escape. You can expect a royal welcome at Longueville Manor or perhaps lording it up in your own fort is more your style? Wherever you choose to stay, it’ll be sure to make your reign in Jersey a memorable one.
La Crête Fort
Nestling on a headland, this tranquil property is built on Jersey’s rugged north coast and is surrounded on three sides by the sea. La Crête Fort comprises a double or twin bedroom, a single bunkroom and spacious shower room and large lounge/diner with sofa bed. A flight of stone steps will take you up to a large granite room with a vaulted ceiling
Fort Leicester
Stay in your very own fort! Spread over three levels, this magnificent 19th century fort sits above the picturesque harbour of Bouley Bay and has a private garden and terrace. The guardhouse is converted to the main bedroom with one double bed and two single beds, and a wood burning stove.
Longueville Manor Hotel
The most highly rated of all Jersey hotels and the only AA 5 Red Star hotel and Relais & Châteaux member in the Channel Islands. Guests can expect a sophisticated yet relaxed 'home from home' feeling from the moment they arrive and exceptional facilities to enjoy during their stay.
Elizabeth Castle Apartment
Sitting one mile off the coast of Jersey’s main town of St. Helier, the castle apartment sits within one of Jersey’s most iconic locations surrounded by the sea twice a day. The apartment, split over two levels, with a recently refurbished kitchen and shower room on the lower level, the apartment sleeps up to six people.
Tread lightly
King Charles III has been a vocal advocate for conservation, action on climate change and promoting sustainable practices. A pioneer in organic farming, he converted his estate, Highgrove House, into a fully organic farm.
For those looking to follow in the footsteps of the King and tread a little more lightly on their travels, there are plenty of kind-to-the-planet attractions and experiences in Jersey. Founded by Gerald Durrell, the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is a must-visit. Dedicated to saving species from extinction, spend a day exploring the park, meeting endangered animals and learning about conservation efforts that protect our planet’s biodiversity.
Time to stretch your legs and get back to nature? Jersey has an incredible network of coastal paths, with much of the island protected as part of the Jersey National Park.
SCOOP The Sustainable Cooperative
SCOOP is a consumer led Cooperative taking positive action to create a sustainable food supply on the island of Jersey. With a vibrant farm shop, an innovative production kitchen and an inclusive cultural and educational programme, we believe in food that protects natural resources for future generations, nurtures biodiversity and minimises waste.
Jersey Zoo
Jersey Zoo began as the first ever conservation-themed zoo. Over 60 years later, Gerald Durrell’s animal haven is the natural place to discover some of the world’s most incredible creatures. Whether you're after fun, tranquility, knowledge or a place to soak up the sunshine, this beautiful 32-acre park has it all.
The Potato Shack Café
The café at the entrance to Woodlands Farm, a working dairy farm in the heart of Jersey. Serving local food with exciting twists, homemade cakes and Monmouth coffee in a beautiful granite building with plenty of outdoor seating.
Dive into the island’s history
King Charles III has long supported the preservation of historic buildings and heritage sites. The Prince’s Regeneration Trust aims to rescue and restore historic sites in the UK, ensuring they remain part of the nation’s cultural heritage. He has even become Patron of a project to protect one of the most significant archeological sites in the world – La Cotte de St. Brelade – right here in Jersey. His Majesty worked at the site when he joined excavations there in 1968 under the guidance of his Cambridge Professor who recovered almost 100,000 large stone artefacts and thousands of mammal remains, including large heaps of mammoth and woolly rhinoceros bones over a 20-year period. Discover our maritime landscape that takes in World War II bunkers, majestic castles and shattered ruins on sheer cliffs, tales of smugglers and pirates, neolithic burial chambers and ancient lighthouses that stood sentinel for centuries.
Hamptonne Country Life Museum
Explore the different houses which make up Hamptonne, find out more about Jersey's history of cider making in the cider barn and wander through the cider apple orchard and meet the Hamptonne calves, chickens, sheep and piglets in the traditional farmstead and meadow.
Elizabeth Castle
Built on a rocky islet in St. Aubin’s Bay, Elizabeth Castle has defended Jersey for more than 400 years. You can take the amphibious castle ferry or walk out along the causeway at low tide. Elizabeth Castle is the perfect place to spend a day exploring Jersey's history with the Jersey Militia or castle gunner on parade.
La Hougue Bie Museum
A truly memorable experience that is both thought provoking and peaceful. Unlike many other dolmens, you can stand inside its chamber and feel the atmosphere of this profoundly sacred space. The passage grave is one of the ten oldest buildings in the world.
Mont Orgueil Castle
Mont Orgueil Castle, or Gorey Castle, has cast its imposing shadow over the beautiful fishing port of Gorey for more than 800 years. One of the finest examples of a medieval fortress in existence, Mont Orgueil is also a symbol of Jersey’s national identity and independent character.
Connect with our arts and cultural scene
King Charles III is a patron of the arts and encourages the study and practice of traditional craftsmanship and design. If you’re similarly inclined, Jersey has a bustling arts and cultural scene, and a history of artists and craftspeople calling the island their home. With an eclectic mix of makers, performers and creators – along with visiting creatives too – there is plenty to explore.
Discover the work of up-and-coming artists in unique coastal locations, see Shakespeare in a castle, experience the art of Jersey cider-making at our Faîs’sie d’Cidre and witness the incredible craftsmanship of St. Matthew’s Glass Church.
ArtHouse Jersey at Grève de Lecq Barracks
Grève de Lecq Barracks is home to ArtHouse Jersey’s Headquarters. The charity exists to serve our Island community and international audiences by supporting artists from Jersey and across the world to create ambitious work.
The Harbour Gallery Jersey
The Harbour Gallery Jersey is the largest exhibiting, working and selling art and craft gallery in Jersey and the Channel Islands. The gallery features the work of over 70 local artists and craftworkers.
ArtHouse Jersey at Capital House
ArtHouse Jersey at Capital House is a multipurpose arts space located on the ground floor of the brutalist building at 8 Church Street, tucked behind The Royal Square and alongside St. Helier Town Church.
St. Matthew’s Glass Church
St. Matthew’s started life in the 1840s as a modest chapel of ease, built at the foot of Mont Felard to spare parishioners the long uphill trek to the ancient Parish Church of St. Lawrence. Over the next century, the hamlet of Millbrook flourished, from the coming of the Jersey Railway to the age when planes landed on St. Aubin’s Bay.
A Royal Four-Day Itinerary
If you’ve been inspired to plan a royally inspired island escape, we’ve created a four-day itinerary jam-packed with illustrious ideas for a long weekend on our diamond of an island.
