Despite fears that the winds might be too high to allow her helicopter to fly, Alderney States president William Tate met Her Royal Highness as she arrived from the UK at about 11am and accompanied her throughout her visit.
She first of all joined the congregation at the St Anne’s Church for a memorial service and after that there was a visit to the Court House.
A wreath was laid near the plaque commemorating the evacuation message given to islanders, while the Duchess placed a posy of flowers.
A special exhibition has been created at the island’s museum, focusing on the Homecoming of 15 December 1945, and that was followed by the annual celebratory tea at the Island Hall.
Mr Tate said that in the past this had been organised and catered by five sisters belonging to one island family. They had retired from the role three years ago but he persuaded them to return for the Royal visitor. The Duchess took time to sit at every table to chat to people, he said.
‘She managed to speak to every homecomer who was there and the joy on their faces was indescribable.’
That was also where the Duchess took the opportunity to read a message to islanders from King Charles.
‘It was simply saying that he understood how important it was to Alderney and how difficult it had been for them when they had been away.’
The visit was also attended by the Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Rev. Stephen Lake, Guernsey’s Lt-Governor Sir Richard Cripwell, Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon and the Dean of Guernsey, The Very Rev. Tim Barker.
Mr Tate said the Duchess had clearly enjoyed her short time in the island, her third visit to the Bailiwick in the past three years.
‘Even though she was here for a relatively short period of time, it was an action-packed visit.
‘She said she was looking forward to coming back.’
