THE VISIT

OF

HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY QUEEN VICTORIA

AND

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE ALBERT

TO THE

ISLAND OF JERSEY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1846.

THE unexpected visit of Her Majesty and Prince Albert to our sister Isle of Guernsey had
awakened in the loyal hearts of her subjects in Jersey the anxious expectation of a like honour;
it was, therefore, with heartfelt sorrow that intelligence was received of the return of the royal
squadron to England. This dash to our hopes was soon to be forgotten in the joyful anticipation
of a promised visit in the course of the ensuing week, fortunately thereby giving time to prepare a
fitting welcome.

The States of the Island were convened, and a committee appointed to make arrangements for
the approaching ceremony. The new South Pier, just completed, afforded a *locale* most appropriate
for the purpose: the vast sweep of the promenade above and surrounding the quay offered every
facility for the erection of many tiers of gradually rising seats, capable of containing upwards of
six thousand spectators. For the reception of Her Majesty one of the pillared recesses under the
promenade was decorated; the interior, lined with crimson damask, bordered with gold fringe,
relieved the ultramarine colour of the roof; between each of the columns hung festoons of the
choicest flowers; in two niches on either side of the recess were placed busts of the Queen and
Prince Albert, and above them waved the royal standard of England and the Jersey flag, richly
wrought in silk.

In the town all was activity; triumphal arches spanned every street, whilst flags, mottoed
banners, and floral crowns, were ready to be launched from every window. Such were the
preparations which the enthusiasm of the inhabitants had made for Her Majesty's reception.
Towards evening, and in the midst of all this joyful labour, two guns, fired from Fort Regent,
sent thrilling through every heart the welcome news that the royal squadron was in sight. The
workman dropped his hammer, the tradesman closed his shop, the busy and the idle all rushed to
the pier, the esplanade, and to every point from which the royal squadron could be seen. The
day, hitherto clouded, lifted its grey mantle as the royal squadron turned "Noirmont Point," the
setting sun throwing its last rays over the scene with magical effect. The anchors were dropped,
and the vessels berthed for the night. The civil and military authorities waited on Her Majesty,
to tender their homage and receive commands for the landing, which it was decided should be the
next day at eleven o'clock. Never did a more beautiful day shine on our beloved Island! At an
early hour the country had streamed its thousands into the town. The militia were under arms,
lining the road Her Majesty was to pass.

A royal salute from Elizabeth Castle announced that the Queen had left the "Victoria and
Albert," and was approaching; every eye was fixed on the "Fairy," eager to catch a first glimpse