SUNSHINE AND SHOWERS IN THE CHANNEL ISLANDS THE KING AND QUEEN

CROWDS IN JERSEY AND GUERNSEY TURN OUT TO WELCOME THE ROYAL COUPLE

- DANIELLE STACEY

Not even a security scare, a minor injury and a Not Queen's spirits on their historic visit to the Channel Islands.

To mark His Majesty's first trip to Jersey and Guernsey since his accession, the royal couple enjoyed bright sunshine in the latter after a soggy start to the tour on the larger island.

They took part in a series of ancient ceremonies on each, kicking off with a special sitting of the States Assembly and the Royal Court in St Helier.

Despite the torrential rain, which had the King laughing, crowds lined the streets to greet their visitors. Known as the Duke of Normandy when on the islands, His Majesty recalled his last trip.

"My wife and I have such happy recollections of the welcome we received when we were last here in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of my late mother," he said. "During that visit, we met so many islanders and learnt of the high regard and affection in which she was held and also a great deal about your beautiful and unique island." Following a prayer in French, five of Jersey's senior seigneurs (lords) paid homage to the new monarch, giving him gifts including two duck eggs as a symbol of sustenance - in 2001, following a long tradition, Elizabeth II was presented with two dead ducks on a silver platter.

During Their Majesties' visit to an open-air exposition focusing on the island's agriculture and fishing industries, the schedule was interrupted briefly due to a security scare.

A BRIEF HALT TO PROCEEDINGS