Health services to stay open during royal visit

A public holiday has been declared in Guernsey for when King Charles III and Queen Camilla visit on 16 July

Most health services will run as usual when King Charles III and Queen Camilla visit Guernsey despite a public holiday being called.

The States of Guernsey said Health and Social Care (HSC) and the medical specialist group have agreed to keep the majority of services running on 16 July.

Health bosses said it would "not be fair" to cancel appointments at short notice after the States made the day an additional public holiday, but added some services may still be impacted.

The visit will be the King's first to the bailiwick since 2012 with events planned including a ceremony of homage to His Majesty.

HSC said any patient who wants to rearrange an appointment on 16 July so they can participate in celebrations should contact them as soon as possible.

'Possible service impact'

Any potential impact on services would continue to be evaluated with further announcements being made if required, they added.

"HSC welcomes the opportunity to celebrate the royal visit with a public holiday, however it would not be fair to patients or service users to cancel their appointments and procedures at short notice", a spokesperson said.

"Staff are committed to delivering as normal a service as possible but are aware some services may be impacted if patients or service users do not attend for appointments."

Along with Guernsey, the King and Queen will visit Jersey on 15 July, marking the first time since 2005 a British monarch has visited the island.