The King visits Bermuda

Day Two

Saturday 2nd May

The final engagements of The King’s visit to Bermuda brought a strong focus on service, innovation and international cooperation, as His Majesty concluded his first Royal Visit to an Overseas Territory as Sovereign.

Before departing the island, The King said his farewells at Government House to senior figures including the Secretary to the Cabinet, Major Marc Telemaque, and the Governor and Commander-in-Chief, Andrew Murdoch. 

The opening of the Great Bay Coast Guard Station

His Majesty travelled to Great Bay, where he formally opened the new Coast Guard Station in a ceremony recognising the vital role of the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

Unveiling a commemorative plaque, His Majesty learned more about the Regiment’s work in protecting Bermuda’s territorial waters and preserving its marine environment. The visit also highlighted the increasing role of advanced technology in maritime operations, with The King viewing unmanned underwater and aerial vehicles now in use. He spent time speaking with young people involved in the Junior Leader programme, hearing first-hand about their experiences and ambitions. 

Before leaving, His Majesty presented Operational Service Medals to five members of the Regiment, acknowledging their dedication and service to the island.

Bermuda, sustainability and space

The King’s programme then turned to the future, as he attended the launch of an ambitious international initiative led by the UK Space Agency. 

At the site of a new observatory, His Majesty was shown a visual simulation of the planned telescope and introduced to ‘Project Nova’, a global effort aligned with the principles of the Astra Carta. The project will establish a network of telescopes across five locations worldwide, designed to track space debris and contribute to the long-term sustainability of space activity. 

His Majesty was played a message from Jeremy Hansen on Artemis II, thanking His Majesty for his message to the crew reflecting on the need for respect for nature as new innovations are made and frontiers reached. 

During the visit, The King also examined a sample of space debris and heard about its growing impact on orbital safety. Marking the occasion, His Majesty unveiled a plaque to officially launch the project on the island.

The visit concluded at L.F. Wade International Airport, where an official departure ceremony marked the end of the Royal programme. The King bid farewell to a number of Bermudian leaders and officials, including representatives from government, the judiciary, law enforcement and the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

As His Majesty departed, the visit drew to a close—bringing with it a programme that reflected Bermuda’s proud traditions of service alongside its role in forward-looking global initiatives.

Day One

Friday 1st May

Ceremonial Welcome in St George’s

In St George's, Bermuda's former capital, The King has been officially welcomed to Bermuda. On the Dais, a Royal Salute was given before the National Anthem was played by the regimental band. The King was then invited to inspect the guard, accompanied by Parade Commander, Major Kenji Bean. 

At St Peter’s Church, having last visited in 1970 to deliver the Speech from the Throne for the 350th Opening of Bermudian Parliament, The King met the Bishop of Bermuda, the Rt Reverend Nicholas Dill and Priest in Charge, Reverend Thomas Nisbett and was shown some of the church, which continues to be a place of active worship in Bermuda. 

St Peter’s Church was designated “Their Majesties Chappell” by Queen Elizabeth II during her Diamond Jubilee year in 2012, in recognition of their 400th anniversary. 

Visit to Trunk Island

On Trunk Island in Harrington Sound, His Majesty visited the Bermuda Zoological Society’s ‘Living Classroom’, an initiative teaching young Bermudians about their local ecosystem. Hosted by BZS President Philippe Bacon and Education Officer Linda Parker, The King toured the island’s education sites — observing lessons on coral and fish identification, planting a Bermuda Cedar among the mangroves, and watching students release hermit crabs. Before departing, His Majesty witnessed a health check of Bermuda Longtails, part of local conservation efforts.

Upon returning to the mainland, The King met Dr David Wingate, renowned ornithologist and architect of the island’s conservation plan, and visited the Bermuda Aquarium Museum to mark its centenary by cutting a celebratory cake with staff and volunteers.

Art and Culture Showcase at Hamilton City Hall

In Hamilton, The King met the Premier and Mayor before viewing a vibrant showcase of Bermudian crafts — from cedar artisans and stonemasons to traditional kite-makers and artists painting the live scene. 

Inside City Hall, The King met Bermuda-born Michael Frith, creator of The Muppets and Fraggle Rock, and his wife, Kathryn Mullen, who shared the Bermudian inspiration behind their celebrated puppetry.

Ferry Crossing and Community Flotilla

From the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, His Majesty, as Patron, met club members and junior sailors before boarding a ferry accompanied by a community flotilla. 

Throughout the crossing, The King learned about Bermuda’s sailing legacy and local maritime traditions, with boats steered by young and seasoned sailors alike.

Gombey Performance and Visit to the National Museum

At the Royal Naval Dockyard’s Keep Yard, His Majesty watched a performance by the National Gombey Dance Troupe — a vivid expression of Bermuda’s cultural heritage. 

The King met the troupe’s director and performers before touring an exhibition at the National Museum of Bermuda alongside Executive Director Elena Strong, exploring artefacts from historic shipwrecks and hearing about Bermuda’s maritime past and its role in the wider Atlantic world.

Sport and Youth Opportunity Gathering

At The Camber waterfront, His Majesty met young athletes and members of youth organisations highlighting Bermuda’s commitment to nurturing future leaders. 

The King toured the Spirit of Bermuda, a training tall ship run by the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, and met representatives from the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, Bermuda Sea Cadets, Scouts, Pathfinders, and the Endeavour Sailing Programme. 

The King also congratulated Bermudian medallists from recent international competitions and met the designer of the Commonwealth Baton Relay

Coast Guard Briefing

Ahead of opening the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard’s new base, His Majesty joined Major Jeffrey Patterson aboard a patrol vessel to hear about the Coast Guard’s efforts to protect Bermuda’s maritime environment and security.

Events at Government House

In the evening, The King held an audience with the Premier of Bermuda, the Hon. E. David Burt, before attending a garden reception celebrating a cross-section of Bermudian life. 

The reception brought together around 200 guests, including former Premiers, religious leaders, representatives from the civil service and business sectors, community heroes, NGO representatives, honours recipients, and members of the arts community.