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Alderney to get a Royal Visit on 15 December

The Duchess of Edinburgh will be in the island to mark the 80th anniversary of Homecoming.

Government House in Guernsey has announced that Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, will be in Alderney for Homecoming Day.

Guernsey's Lieutenant Governor, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Cripwell, says it is an honour for the island:

"I am delighted that Her Royal Highness will visit Alderney for what will be a significant anniversary for the Bailiwick.

"Homecoming is always a very special occasion, marking a unique event, and I am sure The Duchess will enjoy meeting with Homecomers, hearing their stories and sharing in Alderney’s special day."

15 December is the 80th anniversary of the day that islanders returned to Alderney after five and a half years in England.

They found the island covered in fortifications and houses ransacked, with furniture missing.

A massive free for all of various items of furniture was put together, and islanders scrambled for the items, known as the Battle of the Butes.

To mark 80 years, a new woodland will be planted off York Hill, in view of Braye Harbour where the first ship landed.

Her Royal Highness last visited Alderney as The Countess of Wessex in May 2022.

Government House say more details of Sophie's visit will be made available over the coming days.

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