The Duchess of Edinburgh has visited Alderney to mark eight decades since the first families returned to the island following the German Occupation during the Second World War. The event commemorates the courage and perseverance of those who were evacuated in 1940 and returned five years later to rebuild their homes and communities.
Arriving by helicopter, the Duchess was greeted by William Tate, President of the States of Alderney, before attending a service at St Anne’s Church. During the ceremony, letters from original homecomers, read aloud by their descendants, recounted the hardships endured upon return: homes destroyed, windows shattered, and rudimentary shelter barely protecting from the winter cold.
“Those who came back faced a landscape of devastation, yet their determination ensured the island’s survival,” Mr Tate said. “It is on the strength of their commitment that the community we see today stands.”
At the service, the Duchess laid a wreath at the island’s courthouse alongside grandchildren of the original homecomers and listened to music played on the cornet used during the first Homecoming in 1945. She also participated in a reception with veterans of the Homecoming and their families, taking the time to speak personally with attendees about their experiences.
Pauline Black, chair of the Alderney Society, described the Duchess as “deeply engaged” with the islanders’ stories. “She was particularly moved by accounts of the homes they returned to and the minimal resources they had to rebuild,” she said. “Her interest in the history and empathy for those who lived through it were evident throughout the day.”
The royal visit highlighted the enduring connection between Alderney and the British monarchy, reinforcing the importance of commemorating Homecoming Day for future generations. In a message delivered by the Duchess, King Charles paid tribute to the evacuees, noting their resilience and the sacrifices they made to restore the island.
Following the church service and official ceremonies, the Duchess visited a special exhibition at Alderney Museum, signing the visitors’ book and engaging with displays documenting the Occupation and the island’s reconstruction. The exhibition includes photographs, personal items, and accounts that chart the islanders’ determination to reclaim their community.
Islanders attending the anniversary praised the Duchess’s presence. Dawn McLernan, who met her during the reception, said: “She was so gracious and genuinely interested in our stories. It felt as though she had taken the time to understand each of our experiences.”
Mr Tate described the visit as “the crowning moment” of the day, noting that the Duchess’s participation underscored the significance of the occasion. “Her presence brought warmth and attention to the Homecoming celebrations, and it will be remembered fondly by all who were here,” he said.
The 80th anniversary of Alderney’s Homecoming serves as both a remembrance of the islanders’ sacrifices during the Occupation and a celebration of the community’s postwar recovery. By attending the ceremonies, the Duchess of Edinburgh reaffirmed the monarchy’s commitment to acknowledging the lessons of history while honouring those who helped rebuild the island.
