Royal visit to Guernsey

During their Royal Visit to Guernsey on 17th July 2024, His Majesty King Charles (Sovereign Head of the Order of St John) and Her Majesty Queen Camilla met Guernsey’s Chief Ambulance Officer, the Knight Commander and the Chairman of St John Guernsey and the CEO of the St John charity in St Peter Port.

Their Majesties were also introduced to a  representative of the marine ambulance team and acknowledged the crew of the Flying Christine III who were on the harbour pontoon. Earlier in the day the royal couple were greeted by St John Cadets as they arrived by helicopter in St Peter Port. 

Mark Mapp, Guernsey’s Chief Ambulance Officer and CEO of St John Ambulance and Rescue Service said: “We were incredibly fortunate and honoured to have welcomed Their Majesties to the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Their profound interest in St John, our charity and professional ambulance service, as well as the iconic Marine Ambulance, the Flying Christine, highlighted their support for our organisation . As the Sovereign Head of the Order, King Charles III’s visit was particularly special. During their visit, Their Majesties met with numerous St John representatives, including our distinguished Knight Commander, John Hollis. We were delighted that the King and Queen signed our signatory book, which is over 70 years old and holds a collection of entries from previous Royal visits. It was an incredibly proud day for me, St John, and the community of Guernsey.

CEO of the St John Guernsey charity Heather Langlois added: “It was both an honour and a privilege to meet His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla on behalf of the St John Guernsey Charity. As CEO, I am humbled daily by the opportunity to work alongside volunteers, staff and young people who make our community a safer place and to represent each of those remarkable individuals on this occasion is a moment I will never forget.”

Dave Welbourne, Flying Christine volunteer coxswain said: “’It was an honour and privilege to speak with Their Majesties yesterday. They took the time to ask lots of questions about the Flying Christine III and seen seemed generally and genuinely interested in our roles as volunteer boat crew. They wanted to know how many cases the marine ambulance does each year and how long we have all been volunteering for.”