King Charles visits the Isle of Mann

King Charles paid a royal visit to the Isle of Mann for the first time as head of state.

King Charles paid a special trip to the Isle of Mann, the Crown Dependency where the monarch holds the title ‘Lord of Mann’, for an inaugural visit as the Island’s head of state. The King, when Prince of Wales, last visited in April 2012, accompanied by Queen Camilla, then the Duchess of Cornwall, to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

This week, His Majesty engaged with the Island’s constitutional and civic life, seeing the community and its history, as well as attempting to speak the ‘Manx’ language, which offered insight into why their way of life is so unique.

To begin the visit, King Charles visited the Parliament of the Isle of Man, Tynwald, where the Lord of Mann addressed a short sitting that recognised His Majesty’s position as head of state. In a procession into the Parliament, His Majesty was led by the historic Manx Sword of State, believed to date from the medieval period, which has symbolised the authority of Tynwald Court since at least the 15th century. During the ceremony, the President of Tynwald made a Loyal Address to His Majesty, to which the King responded. His Majesty was then presented with a scroll of the Loyal Address.

Mr President, it is a very special moment in history to participate in the proceedings of this Honourable Court, as only the second Lord of Mann to do so since this Chamber was constructed, and to see once again the splendid and ancient Sword of State. I have countless fond memories of that day, over twenty-five years ago, when I ascended Tynwald Hill, preceded by the same Sword and presided over the Tynwald Day ceremony. But, it is even more significant to be here now, in Tynwald Court, as Lord of Mann, addressing you all personally for the first time. As the world’s oldest parliament in continuous operation, Tynwald holds a remarkable distinction. This longevity speaks not only to the strength of your institutions, but also of the enduring partnership between the Crown and the people of this Island.

I cannot help but reflect upon the long association between my family and this ancient Parliament. My grandfather, King George VI, became the first reigning Sovereign for many centuries to preside over the Tynwald Day ceremony, when he visited Ellan Vannin in 1945 — his and my grandmother’s first sea-crossing after VE Day. Ten years later, as a young boy, I accompanied my late mother when she herself came here for the first time as Queen and Lord of Mann. That is a very special memory I have always treasured, and it gives me particular pleasure, and a deep sense of continuity, to return again to this wonderful Island. 

On this occasion I am proud to be continuing the tradition of visits by my family. The first Royal visit was by my great great great grandfather, Prince Albert, who was rowed ashore from the steam-driven Royal Yacht, Victoria and Albert in September 1847, disembarked at Ramsey, and became the first Royal visitor to the Island. — King Charles, Lord of Mann, Address to Parliament 

The King then proceeded to a Garden Party held outside in the grounds of Government House in celebration of members of the Isle of Mann community. His Majesty met a group of Manx speakers and representatives from Culture Vannin; local farmers with their Loughtan sheep and weavers from the local woollen mills, showing the journey from fleece to fabric. The King also met those who participated in the planting of the Coronation Copse at Government House.

A special moment for veterans came when King Charles visited the charity Heroes On The Water Isle of Man, which provides Kayak Angling to wounded military and uniformed members of the public who have been injured whilst on public duty. His Majesty met with veterans for tea in the charity’s main building, where the King heard how Heroes On The Water’s activities, such as sea dipping and sailing, have supported confidence, rehabilitation and mental well-being.

King Charles was scheduled to visit the Island in 2024 but had to postpone due to His Majesty’s cancer treatment. Queen Camilla visited the Island in his place.