Duchess Sophie celebrates milestone in Alderney as she issues message on behalf of King Charles
She's fantastic!Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has been praised by royal fans after celebrating an important milestone in Alderney this week.
The Duchess of Edinburgh travelled to Alderney, the third-largest of the Channel Islands, to mark the 80th anniversary of Homecoming Day.
Duchess Sophie marks milestone
A video clip of the trip was today shared on the official royal family social media channels.
The caption explained: “The Duchess of Edinburgh has joined the people of Alderney to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of their Homecoming. In 1945 islanders returned home having been evacuated to mainland Britain ahead of the German Occupation in 1940.”
Homecoming Day commemorates the island’s liberation from German occupation during WWII. On December 15, 1945, seven months after VE Day, the first group of around 100 evacuees were finally able to return home.
Homecoming Day reminds us of the sacrifices made by those Islanders and the challenges they overcame.
Behind the clip, Sophie can be heard delivering a speech on behalf of the king.
“Homecoming Day reminds us of the sacrifices made by those Islanders and the challenges they overcame when they returned to rebuild their community and their homes,” she said. “It is thanks to their valiant efforts to restore the island that all those who now reside in Alderney continue to enjoy its peaceful way of life.”
Upon her arrival, the royal was reportedly welcomed by the President of the States of Alderney, William Tate. She then attended a Homecoming Day Service at St Anne’s Church, where memories from original homecomers were read out by their families. The Duchess of Edinburgh also paid tribute by laying a wreath with the grandchildren of one of the homecomers.
Later on, she visited a Homecoming Exhibition at Alderney Museum, before attending a reception for homecomers and their families. It was there that she delivered the king’s message and chatted to islanders about their experiences.
‘The Duchess of Edinburgh is the real deal’
Sophie, who turned 60 earlier this year, has been showered with praise by royal fans following the engagement.
“The Duchess is amazing!” one person commented on Instagram. “So nice to see her celebrating with the islanders of Alderney yesterday.”
Another social media user agreed: “The Duchess of Edinburgh does such a wonderful job, and she feels very genuine and caring. Prince Edward is a lucky man.”
A third person also said: “The Duchess of Edinburgh is a wonderful asset to the royal family. She is hardworking and takes a good interest when meeting people.”
“The Duchess of Edinburgh is the real deal,” somebody else commented. “Regal and sincere with a sense of duty.”
A fifth fan described her as “terrific”, “magnificent” and “humble”.
Read more: ‘Very polite’ Lady Louise Windsor spotted ‘sitting on packed train floor’
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