A speech by The King in Tynwald, Isle of Man

Gura mie eu, Eaghtyrane 

[Thank you, Mr President].

I am most grateful to you and to the High Court of Tynwald for the warm welcome that you have extended and for the assurances of loyalty and allegiance that you have expressed.

I am aware that this year is Manx Language Year Blein ny Gaelgey [Year of the Manx Language]. So I very much hope I have not succeeded at this point in massacring this wonderful celebration of your language…! 

My wife and I have very happy memories of the welcome that we received when we were here together in 2012 to mark my late mother’s Diamond Jubilee. During that visit, we learned much about this beautiful Island, its proud traditions, rich history and heritage, and its passion for innovation. We also met local producers and farmers and heard about their attempts to work sustainably in Harmony with Nature. On an island such as this, one never feels far from the marvellous landscapes and the sea that surrounds us, from the heights of Snaefell to the wooded glens and beautiful beaches – an environment so justly designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. As you mentioned Mr President, this is a global accolade that celebrates the unique relationship between the Manx people and their environment.

On this occasion, I am fortunately able to reiterate how extremely disappointed I was not to have been with you in 2024, but I know that Her Majesty greatly enjoyed that visit. I need hardly say that I am delighted, and proud, that I can now add my own congratulations to the Island’s capital on its new status as the City of Douglas. 

Mr President, it is a very special moment in history to participate in the proceedings of this Honourable Court, as only the second Lord of Mann to do so since this Chamber was constructed, and to see once again the splendid and ancient Sword of State. I have countless fond memories of that day, over twenty-five years ago, when I ascended Tynwald Hill, preceded by the same Sword and presided over the Tynwald Day ceremony. But, it is even more significant to be here now, in Tynwald Court, as Lord of Mann, addressing you all personally for the first time. As the world's oldest parliament in continuous operation, Tynwald holds a remarkable distinction. This longevity speaks not only to the strength of your institutions, but also of the enduring partnership between the Crown and the people of this Island. 

I cannot help but reflect upon the long association between my family and this ancient Parliament. My grandfather, King George VI, became the first reigning Sovereign for many centuries to preside over the Tynwald Day ceremony, when he visited Ellan Vannin in 1945 – his and my grandmother’s first sea-crossing after VE Day. Ten years later, as a young boy, I accompanied my late mother when she herself came here for the first time as Queen and Lord of Mann. That is a very special memory I have always treasured, and it gives me particular pleasure, and a deep sense of continuity, to return again to this wonderful Island.

On this occasion I am proud to be continuing the tradition of visits by my family. The first Royal visit was by my great great great grandfather, Prince Albert, who was rowed ashore from the steam driven Royal Yacht, Victoria and Albert in September 1847, disembarked at Ramsey, and became the first Royal visitor to the Island. Today, I will meet members of the Manx community from across the Island – including those unsung heroes who give so much back to their fellow Islanders – in order to reaffirm that ancient link with the Crown.

Eaghtyrane [Mr President], ladies and gentlemen, I wish you every success in your deliberations, and I pray that Almighty God will continue to bless this Honourable Court – and all who serve the people of the Isle of Man – with peace, prosperity and successful advancement of this ancient Kingdom and its indefatigable Island community. 

Thank you.