Queen to visit Isle of Man to confirm city status

Queen Camilla will preside over a special ceremony at Douglas City Hall

Queen Camilla is to visit the Isle of Man to confirm the Manx capital as an official city.

Douglas received the honour as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations.

It was among eight places across the British Isles to be given the status in May 2022.

The Queen will preside over a ceremony at Douglas City Hall on 20 March, a council spokesman said.

Her Majesty will unveil a commemorative plaque before meeting well-wishers outside.

The island's last royal visit from a monarch was in 2003 when Queen Elizabeth II presided over the open air sitting on Tynwald Day in St John's.

Queen Camilla's last and only other trip to the island was in 2012, as Duchess of Cornwall.

'Honoured and thrilled'

During her visit the Queen is also due to attend Government House to meet local charity representatives and community groups.

Douglas Mayor Natalie Byron-Teare said: "It is with enormous pride that we look forward to welcoming Her Majesty to Douglas next week.

"This will be an historic moment and one that all those who attend will remember for a long time."

Council leader Claire Wells said: "We are honoured and thrilled that Queen Camilla is able to join us to celebrate Douglas and mark its elevation to city status.

"Everyone who lives and works here will be incredibly proud to officially receive this recognition and I am sure there will be a throng of crowds to greet Her Majesty when she arrives at City Hall."