The Duchess of Edinburgh braved strong winds to celebrate Alderney’s 80th Homecoming after the end of World War II.
High winds had raised concerns that Sophie’s helicopter would not be able to fly to the island, but the royal endured the tricky conditions to show her support for Alderney.
The duchess joined a congregation at St. Anne’s Church for a memorial service and was then accompanied to visit the Court House on the island by Alderney States president William Tate.
The royal family posted on social media: “The Duchess of Edinburgh has joined the people of Alderney to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of their Homecoming.
The Duchess of Edinburgh braved strog winds to travel to the island of Alderney
|THE ROYAL FAMILY
“In 1945, islanders returned home having been evacuated to mainland Britain ahead of the German Occupation in 1940.
“On behalf of The King, The Duchess delivered a message: 'Homecoming Day reminds us of the sacrifices made by those Islanders and the challenges they overcame when they returned to rebuild their community and their homes. It is thanks to their valiant efforts to restore the island that all those who now reside in Alderney continue to enjoy its peaceful way of life'.”
A special exhibit was created at the island’s museum, focusing on the Homecoming, and after seeing the exhibit, Sophie attended the annual celebratory tea at the Island Hall.
Mr Tate said that in the past this had been organised and catered by five sisters belonging to one island family. They had retired from the role three years ago but he persuaded them to return for the Royal visitor. The Duchess took time to sit at every table to chat to people.
Mr Tate revealed: “She managed to speak to every homecomer who was there and the joy on their faces was indescribable.”
Sophie was stopped on the streets of the island to greet locals
|THE ROYAL FAMILY
“Even though she was here for a relatively short period of time, it was an action-packed visit.
“She said she was looking forward to coming back.”
The Duchess of Edinburgh was also packing Christmas gifts and speaking to volunteers as she opened a new community hub in Guildford during her busy festive schedule.
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Sophie is a patron of The Lighthouse, a Surrey and Hampshire-based charity that helps to support marginalised and vulnerable members of society through various programmes and initiatives.
The duchess displayed her maternal side as she met with Lucy and her six-month-old daughter Dottie, and Aya with her eight-month-old, Wateen, who are regulars at the centre’s playgroup.
Lucy spoke on her interaction with the duchess: “She (Dottie) loves to cuddle with everyone. And after the group photograph at the end, we were stood by the duchess and she turned around and had another chat with Dottie, and said how good she's been.
The Duchess of Edinburgh was also seen at a charity in Guildford earlier this month
|GETTY
“Dottie was five weeks old when we first came along and we've been every week since.
“She's got lots of little buddies here and it's just so nice to get out and talk with other mums, and you don't necessarily have to worry about the babies too much, as it's a safe space.
“Of all the other groups I've gone to, these are the friendliest people, the nicest people. I can't recommend enough,” she told Hello.
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