His Majesty King Charles III Departs Bermuda
His Majesty King Charles III departed Bermuda today, bringing to a close a Royal Bermuda State Visit that will be spoken of for generations to come — a visit that wrote itself permanently and gloriously into the history of this radiant Atlantic island and into the story of the Crown itself. As the wheels of the royal aircraft lifted from the runway of LF Wade International Airport and Bermuda’s pink shores receded into the shimmering Atlantic horizon, His Majesty carried with him something that no official programme could have scheduled — the warmth, the joy, and the irreplaceable spirit of a people who gave their sovereign a welcome four centuries in the waiting. On behalf of His Majesty, the deepest and most heartfelt gratitude flows to every soul who made this historic visit not merely an occasion, but an experience of rare and lasting beauty. To Governor Andrew Murdoch, whose inspired leadership, tireless dedication and gracious personal stewardship transformed this Royal Bermuda State Visit from a logistical undertaking into a moment of genuine historic grace — Bermuda and the Crown owe an immeasurable debt.
To Premier David Burt, whose personal invitation to His Majesty set this extraordinary chapter in motion, and whose Government provided a foundation of warmth, professionalism and proud Bermudian spirit at every turn — the gratitude expressed is as sincere as it is profound. To Mayor Quinell Francis of St George, and Mayor Charles Gosling of Hamilton — who welcomed their King into the ancient and living heart of their respective towns with such ceremony and civic pride, your hospitality reflected the very best of what Bermuda is and has always been.
To Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Simons and every officer and soldier of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, who stood with precision, honour and quiet magnificence throughout — you embodied the finest traditions of service and gave the world a portrait of Bermudian pride to admire. To Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons and the entire Bermuda Police Service, whose professionalism ensured that every moment unfolded with safety, dignity and seamless care — your dedication was the invisible foundation upon which this visit stood.
To the Government Ministers, the Chief Justice, the dignitaries, the conservationists, the artists, the athletes, the Gombey dancers, the young people of the Junior Leader programme, the scientists of Project Nova, and the countless Bermudians who lined the streets, flew their flags from yacht masts, cheered from harbour fronts, and pressed forward simply to catch a glimpse of their King — you were the visit. You were its colour, its music, its meaning, and its soul. Bermuda did not merely host a Royal Bermuda State Visit. She embraced her sovereign — and in doing so, reminded the world precisely why this small and radiant island occupies so permanent and so cherished a place within the heart of the British family. His Majesty King Charles III leaves Bermuda with the deepest admiration, the warmest affection, and the certain knowledge that the bonds forged and renewed across these magnificent few days will endure, undiminished, for generations yet to come.
