It was a day of double celebration in the Royal Court this morning as Robert MacRae was sworn in as Jersey’s 91st Bailiff – on the same day as his father’s 84th birthday.
A week after his predecessor Sir Timothy Le Cocq sat in court for the final time, Robert MacRae was officially sworn in, pledging to uphold the laws and privileges of the Island and “vigorously oppose whomsoever may seek to destroy them”.
Having been led into court by Jurat Jane Ronge and Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham, representing the dual role of the Bailiff as head of the judiciary and presiding officer for the States Assembly, Mr MacRae presented the document from King Charles III confirming his appointment.
After taking the oath, the appointee briefly left court in order to don his robes, returning to be congratulated by the Lieutenant-Governor, Dean of Jersey, Jurats, and other Royal Court representatives.
Speeches were made by Lieutenant Bailiff Robert Christensen, Deputy Farnham, Attoney General Mark Temple – who is set to take Mr MacRae’s former role of Deputy Bailiff in early 2026 – and head of the Jersey bar Mike Preston before the new Bailiff responded.
Mr MacRae (57) issued a long list of thanks, starting with his parents George and Sheila on his father’s 84th birthday and including his partner, Chantel, and children.
“Inextricable” links with the Crown
He spoke of Jersey’s “inextricable” links with the Crown, and of Jersey traditions and organisations that he would strive to uphold.
He said: “I hope that Jersey and the other Crown Dependencies with whom we share so much will remain steadfast beacons of liberty, of tolerance, of respect for the rule of law and of good governance.
“The office that I hold will continue to play its part in working with the States and the people of Jersey to promote the delivery of justice and the welfare of the people of our beautiful Island.”
After the Bailiff and guests left the Royal Court, a procession made its way to the Town Church for a service of thanksgiving and dedication led by the Dean and other faith leaders.
Passing the baton…
Sir Timothy Le Cocq, who has held the position since 2019, announced his plans to step down last year.
He previously said he was “delighted” to confirm Mr MacRae’s appointment as his successor.
Sir Timothy’s final week included “day-job” commitments in court and the unveiling of a portrait in the presence of House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, followed by two dinners – one for court staff and the judiciary, and another for States Members and government figures.
His official portrait now hangs alongside those of his predeccessors in the Royal Court building, where today’s ceremony took place.