The Queen's message to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Guernsey

The following message was delivered by The Countess of Wessex on behalf of The Queen on 9 May 2015 – the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Guernsey:

To my most loyal people in the Bailiwick of Guernsey I send greetings on this the seventieth anniversary of the day of their liberation from enemy occupation.

I am delighted that The Countess of Wessex is able to represent me on this very special occasion. I was interested to learn that the commemoration and thanksgiving service will involve people who were evacuated, some who were deported, others who were present in Guernsey or Sark at the Liberation and those who served in the Armed Forces, as well as many young people.

I am most grateful for your assurances of continued allegiance and loyalty and I welcome this opportunity of affirming the close ties which have existed for so long between the Crown and the people of the Bailiwick. Many Islanders continue to serve Our Armed Forces and I know it will be appreciated by you all that representatives of those services are with you today.

On this significant anniversary my thoughts and prayers are with you and for the future happiness and prosperity of the Bailiwick of Guernsey.

ELIZABETH R