King Charles III Makes History With Sovereign Visit To Bermuda

By Staff Reporter | NewsAmericasNow.com

News Americas, HAMILTON, Bermuda, Fri. May 1, 2026: King Charles III has made history as the first Sovereign to visit Bermuda from May 1st to 2nd. The landmark two-day Royal Visit will take him from St. George’s in the East to the Royal Naval Dockyard in the West.

The visit comes days after His Majesty’s US state visit and marks his first official trip to a British Overseas Territory as Sovereign – a milestone moment for the island nation and its people. Governor His Excellency Andrew Murdoch, CMG, has invited Bermudians to join in welcoming The King at multiple public viewing points across the island. While some anti-monarchy sentiment exists, the visit is largely framed as a routine, diplomatic engagement to a British Overseas Territory.

Friday May 1st – East To West

The Royal Visit begins today at King’s Square in St. George’s, where His Majesty will be received by the Royal Bermuda Regiment and dignitaries before proceeding to the historic St. Peter’s Church.

The King will then travel to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo – which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year – and to Trunk Island in Harrington Sound, where he will learn about local wildlife conservation efforts.

In the afternoon, His Majesty moves to City Hall and Arts Centre in Hamilton, where he will meet dignitaries and some of Bermuda’s most celebrated artists and artisans. He will then proceed to Albuoy’s Point before heading to the Royal Naval Dockyard.

At The Keep at the National Museum of Bermuda, The King will be greeted by the National Gombey Troupe – one of Bermuda’s most iconic cultural traditions – before visiting the Queen’s Exhibition Hall and 1850 Ordinance House.

His Majesty will close the day by meeting Commonwealth athletes preparing for the upcoming 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, as well as members of youth organizations from across the island.

Saturday May 2nd – Closing With History

On Saturday morning The King returns East to formally open the Great Bay Coast Guard Station in St. David’s before concluding his visit at Cooper’s Island, where he will learn about a groundbreaking new telescope project aimed at mitigating space debris.

What Bermudians Need To Know

Members of the public are encouraged to come out and welcome The King at three key public locations — King’s Square in St. George’s, City Hall in Hamilton, and the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Road restrictions and temporary traffic controls are expected across parts of Hamilton, St. George’s, and Dockyard during the visit. King’s Square will be closed from 7am to noon on Friday. Residents are advised to allow extra travel time and follow the instructions of police and traffic marshals. Parking for the BAMZ visit is available at Flatts Cricket Field, with a public viewing area in the parking lot across from the aquarium.

The BAMZ will be closed for part of Friday during the Royal Visit and will reopen to the public at 2pm.

A Special Commemorative Stamp

The Bermuda Post Office has released a limited-edition commemorative overprint stamp to mark the occasion – available for $35 and functioning as both a postal item and collector’s keepsake. Orders may be prepaid for collection or mailing at the BPO and all sub-post offices. Details are available at the Bermuda Philatelic Bureau online.

King’s Baton Relay

The Royal Visit also coincides with a significant cultural moment – the unveiling of Bermuda’s King’s Baton as part of the King’s Baton Relay ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The baton, designed by local artist Chyna Talbot, reflects Bermuda’s culture, natural beauty, and sporting spirit and will ultimately be presented at the Opening Ceremony this July.

Minister of Tourism and Transport Owen Darrell called the moment a proud milestone for the island. The baton forms part of a global relay connecting Commonwealth nations in the lead-up to the Games.

A Visit That Celebrates Bermuda’s People

Beyond the ceremonial, the visit is designed to highlight the contributions Bermudians make to their communities, the wider British family, and beyond – with a particular focus on connecting The King with younger generations and their creativity in tackling both local and global challenges.

For a small island nation with an outsized place in the Commonwealth, the visit represents a moment of genuine historic significance – one Bermudians are being encouraged to witness firsthand.

Full details on viewing locations and road restrictions are available through the Government of Bermuda.