Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's first visit to Guernsey - August 24, 1846

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited the Channel Island of Guernsey for the first time. It was the first visit by a reigning British monarch to the island for roughly six centuries, and Victoria and Prince Albert were only intending to spend a short time ashore.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert landing at St Pierre, Guernsey dated 1846

© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026 | Royal Collection Trust

Victoria and Albert were travelling aboard the royal yacht Victoria and Albert during their Channel Islands cruise. On the evening of 23 August, the yacht was spotted off Guernsey. The news caused an immediate stir in St Peter Port. The Lieutenant-Governor went out by boat to establish what was happening and was given the unexpected news that the Queen intended to come ashore the following morning.

The royal couple landed at the harbour of St Pierre where a crowd of enthusiastic subjects and the Governor with a Guard of Honour greeted them. The crowds sang 'God Save the Queen' and the pathways were strewn with flowers.

The Queen was welcomed by the Lieutenant-Governor, Major General Napier, members of the States of Guernsey, and an "assemblage of some seventy young ladies belonging to the principal families, who were mostly arrayed in white." The Royal Guernsey Militia and the regular garrison, some 2,500 soldiers were on parade.

The royal party rode in a carriage through the narrow streets which were decorated with flags and flowers followed by a lined guard of the Guernsey Militia 2000 strong which the Queen described as 'rather strange-looking men, some mounted, & with several Bounds' Advancing through the town the royal procession visited the fort (Now known as Castle Cornet) where General Sir William Napier presented the keys of the castle to Queen Victoria.

Point Guernsey dated 24 Aug 1846, watercolour by Queen Victoria © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026 | Royal Collection Trust

After stopping to admire the view where they saw Alderney, the coast of France and the other Channel island Jersey, an almost fatal accident occurred. One of the special Constables who insisted on walking next the Queen's carriage foot slipped and he fell with the Queen's carriage going over him! The road along the fort was so narrow that it caused the constable to scramble up the bank to move out of the way but he slipped and fell just as the carriage drove over him. Thankfully the constable had no broken bones and was only left feeling rather faint.

After the carriage incident, the royal procession moved on to the pier and then following the roads opposite the French coast. Viewing Cap Le Hogue, Alderney and Burhou before heading back to their yacht. The royal couple spent time on deck, walking about, sketching, and sitting talking with her ladies. Until 8 pm when they anchored in the Yarmouth Roads, after which they dined for dinner.

Although the visit was unplanned and preparations were completely rushed, the people of Guernsey provided a spectacle which left The Queen feeling satisfied. She described the visit as being very well managed. 'Everything was very well managed, the day so fine, & all the people extremely loyal.'