The links to Charles II on the island that just welcomed Charles III

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Jersey for a visit to the self-governing British Crown Dependency. The last King Charles also had a strong connection to the island nation. 

The future-King Charles II sought sanctuary on Jersey twice during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Parliamentarian forces sought Charles out as Prince of Wales, as they were also looking for his father (King Charles I). 

King Charles I was eventually captured in May 1646 but the Prince of Wales was able to evade capture. He was given sanctuary on the island from April to June in 1646, and after that he was able to sail for Paris. 

In 1649, the then-King Charles II landed again in Jersey on 17 September. Royalist forces had proclaimed him King upon his father’s execution at Banqueting House in Whitehall on 30 January 1649, and Jersey welcomed him. The island had proclaimed him King on 17 February. Charles was not alone, though – his brother, the Duke of York (and future-King James II), was also with him. 

King Charles II remained on the isle of Jersey for several months, not departing for Breda until 13 February 1650. He left the Duke of York to be Governor of Jersey, an important position in the following months. 

Now, the islands has welcomed King Charles III although in happier circumstances.