The Duchess of Edinburgh has visited Alderney to mark eight
decades since the first families returned to the island following
the German Occupation during the Second World War. The event
commemorates the courage and perseverance of those who were
evacuated in 1940 and returned five years later to rebuild their
homes and communities.
Arriving by helicopter, the Duchess
was greeted by William Tate, President of the States of
Alderney, before attending a service at St Anne’s Church. During
the ceremony, letters from original homecomers, read aloud by their
descendants, recounted the hardships endured upon return: homes
destroyed, windows shattered, and rudimentary shelter barely
protecting from the winter cold.
“Those who came back faced a landscape of devastation, yet their
determination ensured the island’s survival,” Mr Tate said. “It is
on the strength of their commitment that the community we see today
stands.”
At the service, the Duchess laid a wreath at the island’s
courthouse alongside grandchildren of the original homecomers and
listened to music played on the cornet used during the first
Homecoming in 1945. She also participated in a reception with
veterans of the Homecoming and their families, taking the time to
speak personally with attendees about their experiences.
Pauline Black, chair of the Alderney Society, described the
Duchess as “deeply engaged” with the islanders’ stories. “She was
particularly moved by accounts of the homes they returned to and
the minimal resources they had to rebuild,” she said. “Her interest
in the history and empathy for those who lived through it were
evident throughout the day.”
The royal visit highlighted the enduring connection between
Alderney and the British monarchy, reinforcing the importance of
commemorating Homecoming Day for future generations. In a message
delivered by the Duchess, King Charles paid tribute to the
evacuees, noting their resilience and the sacrifices they made to
restore the island.
Following the church service and official ceremonies, the
Duchess visited a special exhibition at Alderney Museum, signing
the visitors’ book and engaging with displays documenting the
Occupation and the island’s reconstruction. The exhibition includes
photographs, personal items, and accounts that chart the islanders’
determination to reclaim their community.
Islanders attending the anniversary praised the Duchess’s
presence. Dawn McLernan, who met her during the reception, said:
“She was so gracious and genuinely interested in our stories. It
felt as though she had taken the time to understand each of our
experiences.”
Mr Tate described the visit as “the crowning moment” of the day,
noting that the Duchess’s participation underscored the
significance of the occasion. “Her presence brought warmth and
attention to the Homecoming celebrations, and it will be remembered
fondly by all who were here,” he said.
The 80th anniversary of Alderney’s Homecoming serves as both a
remembrance of the islanders’ sacrifices during the Occupation and
a celebration of the community’s postwar recovery. By attending the
ceremonies, the Duchess of Edinburgh reaffirmed the monarchy’s
commitment to acknowledging the lessons of history while honouring
those who helped rebuild the island.
