The Queen has sent her best wishes to the Channel Islands on the 75th anniversary of Liberation Day.
This year marks the 75 years since the Channel Islands were liberated from German occupying forces.
In two separate messages to the people of Jersey and Guernsey, Her Majesty praised the good spirit of Islanders on a day that was supposed to be full of celebration.
Her Majesty’s cousin, the Duke of Gloucester, was due to visit the Islands on Saturday alongside the Duchess, however this visit has been cancelled due to then ongoing public health emergency.
The Queen’s message to the people of Jersey
“To My loyal Members of the States and people of Jersey, I send My warmest Greetings on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of your liberation from enemy occupation.
“On this significant anniversary, I am reminded of the pleasure that my parents took in being able to visit shortly after your liberation in 1945, together with my own fond memories of visiting the Island.
“As you remember the bravery and sacrifice of the Jersey men and women who lived through occupation, deportation and evacuation, I know that you will join together again as a community to overcome the challenges that you are facing.
“I send my thoughts and prayers to all the people of Jersey as you mark this notable anniversary in the Island’s history.”
The Queen’s message to the people of Guernsey
“On the occasion of the seventy-fifth anniversary of your liberation from enemy occupation, I send my thoughts and prayers to all the people of the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
“At this increasingly channeling time, I was pleased to learn that you will still be commemorating and celebrating this significant anniversary with a small number of symbolic events.
“As you remember the difficulties faced by islanders who lived through the evacuation, enemy occupation and deportation during World War II, it is my hope that you will come together as a community using technology.
To my most loyal people on the Bailiwick of Guernsey, I send my best wishes for your continued safety and prosperity.”
