A Cherished Member of the British Family: The King's Visit to Bermuda

Earlier this month, the King visited Bermuda on his first trip to a British Overseas Territory since his 2022 accession. The visit marked a special moment for the island, demonstrating the strong bonds that exist between the United Kingdom, Bermuda, and — as noted by His Majesty — all British Overseas Territories.

Bermuda was last visited by a reigning monarch in 2009, when Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip arrived to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the island’s settlement by shipwrecked English sailors and colonists.

The visit began with a 21-gun salute and Guard of Honour from the Royal Bermuda Regiment in King’s Square, St. George’s, followed by His Majesty standing on a raised dais while the regimental band played God Save the King before he received the Royal Salute.

Around midday, the King visited St. Peter’s Church — the oldest Anglican church outside the British Isles — before travelling to Trunk Island, where he met with the Bermuda Zoological Society, whose work focuses on preserving natural environments and biodiversity. Their current efforts include removing invasive plants such as the Brazilian Peppertree to allow slow-growing native trees to flourish, as well as supporting the regrowth of seagrass beds in sheltered bays around the island.

Later that day, His Majesty visited a poignant exhibition about the Transatlantic Slave Trade at the National Museum of Bermuda, a subject close to the hearts of many Bermudians. This was followed by a vibrant performance by the National Gombey Dance Troupe, representing the island’s distinct blend of African, Native American, and British cultures.

His Majesty also visited Project Nova, an initiative funded by the UK Space Agency that is strengthening Bermuda’s role in space and satellite research. During the visit, the King met scientists and engineers working on advanced atmospheric and space-monitoring technologies, underlining the important role played by the Overseas Territories in supporting British scientific innovation and international collaboration.

That evening, the King hosted a Garden Party at Government House attended by political and religious leaders, alongside figures from the worlds of business, art, and culture. During the event, His Majesty described Bermuda as “a cherished member of the British family”, before humorously apologising for the 400-year delay in a reigning King visiting the island.

The King’s visit to Bermuda followed a prior trip to the United States, where His Majesty addressed the United States Congress and met with President Trump, providing a timely reminder of the soft power wielded by the British monarch during a period of increasing geopolitical tension. This diplomacy reportedly contributed to Marco Rubio dismissing claims that the United States was reviewing the US stance on British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.