The Princess Royal will visit Guernsey and Sark for this year’s Liberation Day commemorations and celebrations.

Her Royal Highness will spend time in Guernsey on Friday 9 May before travelling to Sark on Saturday 10 May to mark the 80th anniversary of each island’s liberation from German rule.

While the exact details will be released closer to the time, we know that she will undertake a number of official engagements during her time in each island including meeting people who lived through the Occupation, evacuees, and veterans.

Her Royal Highness will also meet those involved in organising, and those volunteering to run, this year’s 80th anniversary events.

Pictured: Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal last visited the Bailiwick in 2018.

Planned events include a parade and church service in Guernsey with the Lieutenant Governor and Bailiff both attending.

“It will be a great privilege to welcome The Princess Royal to the Bailiwick as Europe marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War,” said His Excellency, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell.

“The occupation and liberation of these islands remain within living memory, offering a powerful reminder of the value of freedom and the cost of defending it. I am very pleased that Her Royal Highness will be here to share this significant anniversary with us all.”

The Bailiff, Sir Richard McMahon added that he is “delighted that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal will be joining islanders to mark 80 years of Liberation here”.

“The day is an opportunity to celebrate our island’s history, resilience and freedom, ensuring that the sacrifices made for our liberty are never forgotten,” he said.

Planned events in Sark will include an opportunity for The Princess Royal to meet residents who lived in the island throughout the Occupation.

Christopher Beaumont, Seigneur of Sark, said they will share their personal experiences of those years, as well as the military significance of the island during the war.

“We look forward to receiving The Princess Royal on 10 May, as our island celebrates 80 years of freedom. It is a privilege to welcome her back and share with her Sark’s distinct and fascinating role during the Occupation years, as well as showcasing the island today. Our island has many unique and often-unheard stories to tell from the Occupation, and this anniversary gives us an excellent opportunity to tell those stories and remember those who were evacuated, and then returned after Liberation to rebuild our community.”