Island prepares for Lord of Mann's first visit since accession

King Charles to undertake series of engagements

The Isle of Man is preparing to welcome His Majesty The King.

The Lord of Mann will make his first visit to the Island today (14 July) since ascending to the throne.

His most recent visit, in 2012, was part of his mother’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations; before that he visited in 2000.

John Moss has this report:

Tynwald

King Charles will undertake a number of engagements during his afternoon on the Island.

He’ll start with a visit to Tynwald where a special sitting is being held at around 12.30pm.

President of Tynwald Laurence Skelly will deliver a ‘loyal address’ before inviting His Majesty to respond.

This will continue a tradition established by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her first visit to the Island as Lord of Mann in 1955.

Following the sitting The King is due to meet members of the public during a walkabout along Bucks Road.

Douglas Bay Horse Tramway

At around 1.50pm The King will visit the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway at the Strathallan Crescent terminus on Douglas Promenade.  

It forms part of the 150^th anniversary celebrations of the tramway.

He’ll meet members of the team who operate the horse trams as well as members of the public, before unveiling a commemorative plaque.

The King will also be invited to board No.18 - the world’s oldest in-service horse tramcar.

The double-decker will then be pulled by 16-year-old Clydesdale Bobby the short distance to the bottom of Summer Hill.

If you are planning to see The King on Douglas promenade, a shuttle bus service will operate from the football ground on Blackberry Lane, Onchan, to the bottom of Summer Hill from 11am.

After the event, shuttle buses will take passengers back to the Blackberry Lane car park.

Well-wishers

People wishing to see the Lord of Mann at the tramway, or outside Tynwald, are being advised to arrive in good time and plan their journeys in advance.

They’re also encouraged to stay hydrated and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from the sun.

These people shared their thoughts about the Lord of Mann’s visit with Manx Radio:

Garden Party

Government House will host a garden party in honour of King Charles where he will meet representatives from organisations, charities and community groups across the Island.

Children from Ashley Hill Primary School have also been invited to be part of the ‘welcoming party’.

Speaking ahead of the visit Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer, said: “The first official visit by His Majesty The King as Lord of Mann is a significant moment in the history of the Island and for our community.  

“This visit reflects the enduring relationship between the Crown and the Isle of Man, while also providing an opportunity to share with His Majesty the people, places and traditions that make our Island so unique.”

Disruption

A range of road closures, parking restrictions and changes to public transport will be in place during the visit predominantly around Douglas Promenade and upper Douglas.

You can find out more HERE.

Vehicles parked in suspended areas or on closed roads will be removed.

Access to private car parks is permitted until closures begin. Once closures are active vehicle access to or from car parks that join closed roads will not be permitted.

Pedestrian access will remain available throughout.

Lanes to the rear of Hill Street and Myrtle Street are accessible via Upper Church Street and Circular Road.

Road Closures (until 6pm)

St George’s Walk junction with Athol Street

Queens Promenade, Strathallan Crescent and King Edward Road between Summerhill and Royal Terrace, Port Jack

Summerhill Link Road between Summerhill and Queens Promenade

Bucks Road between Circular Road and Athol Street

Finch Road between Stanley Mount and Bucks Road or Prospect Hill

Hill Street between Bucks Road and Upper Church Street

Myrtle Street between Bucks Road and Upper Church Street

Parking Suspension

The following parking suspensions will be in place until 6pm: 

Queens Promenade, Strathallan Crescent and King Edward Road between the Queens Hotel and the MER Depot

Summerhill Link Road between Summerhill and Queens Promenade

Bucks Road between Circular Road and Athol Street

Finch Road between Stanley Mount and Bucks Road/Prospect Hill

Hill Street between Bucks Road and Upper Church Street

Myrtle Street between Bucks Road and Upper Church Street

Stanley Mount between Finch Road and Mount Havelock

Summerhill between Queens Promenade and Blackberry Lane

Blackberry Lane for its full length

St George’s Street for its full length

Hope Street between Peel Road and St George’s Street

Mount Havelock for its full length

Buses and Trams

For more information regarding affected bus routes click HERE.

The Manx Electric Railway will not operate between Douglas and Laxey until 3.10pm.

Mariners

Restrictions for mariners are also in place off the east coast.

You can find out more HERE.