Chelsea pensioners and Gurkhas were among the groups forming part of the parade, who were inspected by the Princess Royal.
Wearing a cream-coloured dress and hat, she then took to a raised platform on the Quay to read a speech, some of which was on behalf of her brother, King Charles.
‘I’m 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,’ the Princess said.
‘I look forward to meeting and learning much more from many of you later today.’
Watch: The Princess Royal delivered a Liberation message from the King
The King’s message conveyed his ‘warmest greetings’ on the 80th anniversary of the Liberation.
‘The Queen and I have particularly fond memories of our all-too-brief visit to Guernsey last year and the wonderfully generous welcome we received.
‘As always, I am most grateful for your continued allegiance and loyalty, and I am pleased to reaffirm the close ties that have existed for so long between the Crown and the people of the Bailiwick.
‘My thoughts and prayers remain with you for your future happiness and the prosperity of your beloved island.’
Among those lucky enough to have found a standing spot right in front of the raised platform where Princess Anne delivered her speech was Kayleigh Mills.
‘I didn’t plan to end up here, I was just looking for a place to stand and got lucky,’ she said.
She described the atmosphere along the seafront as ‘emotional’ and ‘amazing’.
‘It’s a real privilege to be here and to see everyone together out celebrating. It’s what makes today so special.’
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