"He enjoyed hearing the Manx national anthem!": King greets guests at Government House

His Majesty meets representatives of the Manx community at Garden Party

The King met with members of the Isle of Man community at a Garden Party at Government House this afternoon as part of today's Royal Visit.

His Majesty was joined by a group of Manx speakers and representatives from Culture Vannin alongside local farmers showcasing the Island’s native Loughtan sheep and the weavers from the Laxey woollen mills who transform the wool from fleece to fabric. 

After a brief moment inside for some official photographs, His Majesty came out into the garden to the sound of the UK and Manx national anthems, performed by Manx Concert Brass and led by Musical Director Ian Clague.

"He enjoyed hearing the Manx national anthem!" - Paul Costain

The first group The King was introduced to was made up of six recipients of the prestigious Cleveland Medal, including farmer, singer and Captain of the Parish Paul Costain:

"He was really interested in hearing about the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh and how they learn and use Manx every day." - Ruth Keggin Gell

Culture Vannin's Manx Language Development Officer Ruth Keggin Gell was part of a group there to speak with Our Lord of Mann about the Island's culture, language and music:

Behind the crowds, in a pen in the shade, sat three of the Island's native Loaghtan sheep.

They were brought to the Garden Party by Jenny Shepherd of Manx Loaghtan Produce who says she was amazed by The King's knowledge of rare breeds.

When Jenny told The King how endangered Loaghtans are, Charles replied "I'll see what I can do":

On a previous visit to the Isle of Man in 2000, Charles was taken on a tour of the Manx Wildlife Trust's Close Sartfield Nature Reserve.

MWT's Chief Executive Officer Graham Makepeace-Warne says it was good to speak with The King about his memories of that visit:

Also in attendance were those who planted the Coronation Copse.

Amongst the charity representatives on the Island, James Cherry attended on behalf of the LGBT+ organisation Isle of Pride.

He says he was proud to be there to see and greet His Majesty:

"It was quite a life moment, and something I will cherish." - Noah Mayne

Noah Mayne is part of a group shadowing Sir John Lorimer, the Island's Lieutenant Governor:

The students of Ashley Hill Primary School in Onchan gave Our Lord of Mann a very enthusiastic welcome and were in still in full voice after his departure from the house:

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.”

After greeting the crowd at Government House, King Charles headed off towards Douglas Promenade for a ride on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway.