This Is Guernsey

By Zoe Ash

The Earl and Countess of Wessex about to sample the bean jar at Le Viaer Marchi. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0800931)

THOUSANDS of islanders turned out to catch a glimpse of Guernsey’s royal visitors at Le Viaer Marchi last night.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex spent an hour at the traditional fair learning about local arts and crafts and tasting the island’s favourite dishes.

It was the end of a busy day for the royal couple, whose Bailiwick visit continues today.

They arrived by helicopter at Baubigny Schools at 11am to officially open St Sampson’s High and Le Murier, where they were greeted by children from the island’s schools.

The royal couple received a quick but comprehensive tour around the premises before unveiling a granite stone to commemorate the opening.

Deputies, teachers, staff and students looked on as Prince Edward demonstrated his sense of humour – calling on them to cheer as if the unveiling was the most exciting thing they had ever seen.

His speech was well received and Le Murier head Alan Brown said the morning’s events had been a positive experience for students.

‘They’ve all been very excited and the countess was good at engaging with the children, so she put them at their ease,’ he said.

Following lunch with States members, the earl and countess visited the Priaulx Library before being greeted by a crowd of islanders, who had been waiting patiently at Candie Gardens to see them.

The countess and the Lt-Governor, Sir Fabian Malbon, led the way through the grounds.

Former States member Pat Robilliard said it was fantastic to see the couple enjoying their visit.

‘My husband is the vice-chairman of the Priaulx Library Council, so I have come down to support him today.

‘We have been looking forward to the visit and I am glad it has been a pleasant day for them,’ she said.

As part of the Castle Cornet visit in the afternoon, Prince Edward opened the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Regimental Museum.

Conversation there switched to the NatWest Island Games when the prince spoke to Culture and Leisure chief officer Dave Chilton.

‘I hear they’re getting bigger and bigger,’ said Prince Edward.

Mr Chilton, who had just returned from the Games in Aland, first met the earl at the Isle of Man Games in 2001 but did not think he had remembered him.

As part of the day’s hectic schedule the couple met charity representatives, evacuees, high achievers and voluntary groups at Government House.

They spent more than an hour talking to the various individuals and listened to their stories with interest.

After speaking to, among others, Lions Club members, the couple finished their visit by meeting some of the island’s high achievers.

Guernsey hockey captain Andy Whalley was lucky enough to meet both the earl and countess.

‘It was really great. I think Edward had played hockey at school and saw that mixed hockey was important,’ he said.

Women’s singles bowls champion Alison Merrien said the couple had been pleasant and down to earth.

‘They obviously made the effort to talk to everyone here. It was nice to meet them face-to-face,’ she said.

• View a gallery of the day here.

Article posted on 7th July, 2009 - 2.30pm