The King reflected on Tynwald's unique status as the longest-running parliamentary assembly in the world
King Charles delivered a historic address to Tynwald Court today during his first visit to the Isle of Man since becoming monarch, speaking to the ancient parliament in his capacity as Lord of Mann.
The occasion marked the first time the King has personally addressed the Crown Dependency's legislature since ascending to the throne, making him only the second holder of the Lord of Mann title to speak in the current chamber.
His Majesty arrived at the parliamentary building in central Douglas this morning, where a ceremonial procession led him into the chamber.
The Tynwald President presented a Loyal Address to the sovereign, who responded before being presented with a commemorative scroll marking the occasion.
His Majesty spoke warmly of his previous trip to the island, saying: "My wife and I have very happy memories of the welcome that we received when we were here together in 2012 to mark my late mother's Diamond Jubilee."
He praised the island's natural environment, from the summit of Snaefell to its wooded valleys and coastline, noting its recognition as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
"This is a global accolade that celebrates the unique relationship between the Manx people and their environment," the King told the assembled parliamentarians.
The King reflected on Tynwald's unique status as the longest-running parliamentary assembly in the world, describing its continuous operation as testament to both institutional strength and the enduring bond between the Crown and the Manx people.
"I cannot help but reflect upon the long association between my family and this ancient Parliament," His Majesty said.
He recalled his grandfather, King George VI, becoming the first reigning monarch in centuries to preside over the Tynwald Day ceremony when he visited in 1945, immediately following VE Day.
The King also shared a treasured personal memory from a decade later, when he accompanied his late mother as a young boy during her inaugural visit as Queen and Lord of Mann on 9th August 1955.
"That is a very special memory I have always treasured," he told the chamber.
His Majesty traced the history of royal connections to the island back to September 1847, when his great-great-great-grandfather Prince Albert became the first member of the Royal Family to set foot on Manx soil, arriving by rowing boat from the steam-powered Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert at Ramsey.
The King also offered his congratulations on Douglas being granted city status, declaring himself "delighted, and proud" to add his recognition of the island's capital achieving this new designation.
He expressed regret at missing a planned 2024 visit, noting: "I am fortunately able to reiterate how extremely disappointed I was not to have been with you in 2024, but I know that Her Majesty greatly enjoyed that visit."
Queen Camilla had travelled to the island in March that year.
The medieval Sword of State, a ceremonial artefact representing Tynwald's authority since at least the fifteenth century, preceded the King as he entered the chamber in keeping with ancient tradition.
Following the parliamentary proceedings, His Majesty greeted crowds who had gathered outside the building before attending a Garden Party at Government House, which has served as the Lieutenant Governor's official residence since 1863.
During the reception, the King met with Manx language speakers and representatives from Culture Vannin, the body responsible for safeguarding the island's cultural heritage.
