Celebrating King Charles III: The enduring bond between the Crown and the Cayman Islands

As we approach King Charles III's birthday, the British monarch’s special day offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on the longstanding ties between the Cayman Islands and the Crown.

The United Kingdom’s historical Constitutional tradition and its modern partnership with its Overseas Territories find unison in the figure of His Majesty, King Charles III. His Majesty, long a champion of sustainability and environmentalist efforts, has paid particular attention to the Commonwealth and the Overseas Territories during his long tenure as Prince of Wales. His esteem for the Overseas Territories has been made abundantly clear.

Last year, the Cayman Islands celebrated His Majesty King Charles III’s first official birthday with two major events held on Saturday, 15th June. The activities commenced at Government House with a parade by the uniformed service and youth organisations. Later in the afternoon, Her Excellency The Governor Jane Owen hosted an afternoon Garden Party, which was open to the public, on the lawn of the Governor’s Residence. A public holiday followed on Monday, 17th June. Now on His Majesty’s 76th birthday, which he celebrates privately, it is equally important to reflect on his connection with the Cayman Islands.

The King's Official Birthday Parade, 2024

The Prince first visited the Cayman Islands, the largest of the British Overseas Territories by population, in 1973. In March 2019, the then Prince of Wales revisited the Cayman Islands where he was greeted by adoring crowds. The King used this second trip to visit all three islands, opening health facilities and athletic complexes.

The King (then Prince of Wales) arrives on the Cayman Islands, 2019

Notably, the Prince visited the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, opened by his mother Her Majesty in 1994. The conscious decision to echo Her Majesty’s historic visit to the islands brought the already warm feeling of Caymanians toward the monarchy to a new high. The then Prince was also keen to promote environmental protection measures, visiting a sanctuary for Blue Iguanas, a species endemic to Grand Cayman that symbolises the diversity of flora and fauna that exist throughout his undivided realm.

King Charles (then Prince of Wales) meets Peter the blue iguana in the Cayman Islands 2019

The Prince of Wales concluded his trip with a speech at Pedro St. James Castle, a treasured cultural artefact of the Caymanian people, demonstrating his special affection for Caymanian heritage.

The success of this visit was apparent when he ascended to the throne in 2022. The Cayman Islands joined with the rest of the realm and the Commonwealth in celebrating His Majesty’s ascension, with fireworks and parades occurring all over the three islands. Representing the Caymanian people, the Premier, the Hon. Wayne Panton, JP and His Excellency the Governor Martyn Roper, OBE, attended the King’s coronation in Westminster along with the Heads of Government of other Overseas Territories to pledge allegiance to the new King.

Whilst the King’s private birthday is not marked by a public holiday, the King’s Official Birthday, June 9th, is. His birthday serves as a moment to reflect on his connection, not just with the Cayman Islands, but with all the UK Overseas Territories.