The Duchess of Edinburgh visits Jersey

Day One

At Trinity Manor Farm, The Duchess heard how Trinity Manor and other dairy farms on the island are partnering with LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), of which The Duchess has been Honorary President since 2016. 

Trinity Manor Farm is Jersey’s largest dairy farm, with 600 head of cattle, and has a farming history dating back to the 16th century. 

Her Royal Highness also had a tour of the farm, including visiting the maternity ward and young stock shed to see the calves and meet students on site, and saw how the farm grows its own feed. The Jersey Cow is perhaps the island’s most iconic export, producing high-quality milk which is popular across the world. It is the second most numerous dairy breed globally, found in over 100 countries, and remains a key part of the island’s agricultural sector. 

Her Royal Highness also heard how the Jersey Overseas Aid works with the Jersey Cow to support communities in Africa.

At the Jersey Royal Company, Peacock Farm, The Duchess met farmers who discussed the Jersey Royal and sustainable farming on the island. 

The Jersey Royal is widely regarded as one of the best varieties of new potato. The Jersey Royal Company are the largest potato producer in Jersey, growing their own potatoes and working with other local potato farmers to package Jersey Royals for sale across the UK. 

Her Royal Highness joined school children at the potato harvest plots, learning about hand harvesting and viewing demonstrations of the harvester machinery. The Duchess heard about the environmental initiatives working with the potato industry. 

In the packhouse, The Duchess saw the Potato Size Grading Operation, Potato Washing Area and Pre-Packing Operation.

At St Catherine’s Breakwater, The Duchess joined Year 9 and Year 10 pupils taking part in cooking seafood dishes as part of the Fish in Schools Programme.  The programme is designed to bring the seafood sector into schools through curriculum-linked activities, helping students engage directly with local fish and shellfish while developing practical food skills.

At the Jersey Oyster Stand, Her Royal Highness watched an oyster shucking demonstration and heard about the sustainable cultivation of Jersey oysters. 

The Duchess then boarded the Jade-S fishing boat and departed into St Catherine’s Bay to rendezvous with the ‘Loyal Friend’ fishing boat hauling up lobsters and see a diver brining up scallops.

In the evening, The Duchess attended a reception for NSPCC Jersey at Government House. NSPCC, of which The Duchess if Patron, supports those impacted by abuse to reduce trauma, empower recovery, and ensure every young person receives the support they need to heal and rebuild their future. NSPCC Jersey is a specialist sexual abuse service based in St Helier, offering therapeutic recovery services to children and their families impacted by sexual abuse.

Her Royal Highness met charity representatives and thanked supporters for the services being delivered to local children and islanders. 

Day Two

At EYECAN, The Duchess met the charity’s leadership team and learnt about some of the activities offered on site to support the sight loss community in Jersey. Founded in 1886 as the Jersey Blind Society and rebranded in 2015, EYECAN is Jersey’s only charity dedicated solely to supporting people with sight impairment. 

Her Royal Highness was invited to try Meta glasses to experience how they assist individuals with visual impairments. 

The Duchess joined clients taking part in an art and craft session and met staff and volunteers who support the services. 

In June 2026, EYECAN marks 140 years of service, supporting islanders to live independently, confidently and inclusively. EYECAN currently supports a growing client base of over 500 individuals, with numbers increasing by over 20% in recent years, reflecting both rising demand and improved outreach. The charity works with individuals of all ages, from infants to older adults, providing tailored support, social opportunities and specialist guidance.