Cayman Celebrates King Charles III’s Birthday in Style

By Christopher Tobutt

Early on the morning of Sunday, 23 June, a stretch of West Bay Road in front of Government House was transformed into a vibrant scene of pageantry and pride as the Cayman Islands celebrated the official birthday of His Majesty King Charles III. The annual event, steeped in tradition and ceremony, drew dignitaries, uniformed contingents, and members of the public to honour the monarch in true Caymanian style.

The celebration began with the formation of the parade, as uniformed contingents from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), the Cayman Islands Regiment, the Fire Service, the Coast Guard, and youth organisations including the Girls’ Brigade, Scouts and Cub Scouts, and the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps assembled in precise formation.

The arrival of the Premier, the Hon. Andre Ebanks, was marked with a General Salute, acknowledging his role as the head of government. Shortly after, Her Excellency the Governor, Mrs. Jane Owen, arrived to preside over the ceremony.

Upon her arrival, Her Excellency received a Royal Salute, followed by an inspection of the parade, during which she greeted the assembled contingents and acknowledged their service. This was followed by the symbolic arrival of the Sovereign, represented by the breaking out of the Royal Standard, accompanied by a second Royal Salute and the thunderous 21-gun salute.

A prayer for His Majesty the King was then offered by Brother Duane Jeffries, invoking blessings and guidance for the monarch and the people of the Cayman Islands:

“Heavenly Father, we come before you in gratitude and Reverence on this special day as we celebrate the birthday of our king. We thank you for his life, for his leadership, and his dedication to the wellbeing of the British people as well as the people of the entire Commonwealth. We ask that you grant him wisdom, and strength and compassion as he continues to serve with honour and purpose. May his heart be guided by justice, his mind by truth, and his actions by mercy.”

This was followed by a moving rendition of the national song, Beloved Isle Cayman, performed by Jhenelle Colquhoun, whose voice captured the pride and unity of the occasion.

The ceremony then turned to the presentation of honours and awards, recognising individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Cayman Islands. As the names were called by Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, MBE, Cert. Hon., JP, each recipient stepped forward to be warmly greeted by Her Excellency the Governor, who presented the awards with grace and heartfelt congratulations.

First to be honoured was Mr. Loxley Banks, Cert. Hon., who received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his decades of service to broadcasting in the Cayman Islands. As he approached the dais, there was a quiet reverence in the air — a recognition of a voice that had informed the Cayman Islands and united its residents. Sponsored by Jenny Manderson, MBE, and John Bryan Bothwell, MBE, Mr. Banks accepted the award with humility and pride.

Next, the British Empire Medal (BEM) was awarded to Mrs. Frances McConvey for her lifelong dedication to music education. As she received her medal, responded with warm applause, acknowledging the countless young lives she has inspired through the universal language of music.

Finally, the Cayman Islands Certificate and Badge of Honour (Cert. Hon.) was posthumously awarded to Mr. Hartmann Morgan DaCosta, for his voluntary service and tireless efforts in cultural preservation and development. The honour was received on his behalf by his devoted wife, who accepted it with quiet dignity. It was a moment that touched every heart present — a tribute not only to Mr. DaCosta’s legacy, but to the enduring love and strength of those who carry it forward.

As the formalities drew to a close, Her Excellency received a final Royal Salute before her departure, marking the end of the official ceremony. The parade then departed, concluding a morning filled with tradition, pride, and a deep sense of national unity.

The event served as a powerful reminder of the enduring ties between the Cayman Islands and the Crown. But it was also a day that uniquely Caymanian – as we celebrated our own, with pride and confidence. As His Majesty King Charles III expressed in his address to the Nation and the Commonwealth in September 2022:

“Wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the Realms and Territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life.”

And so, as the sun climbed higher and the last notes of the band faded into the breeze, families gathered their things, children waved their miniature flags, and the crowd slowly dispersed. Another year had passed, another chapter written in the story of a proud and loyal people. With hearts full and spirits lifted, the Cayman Islands once again honoured their sovereign — and each other — with grace, gratitude, and joy.

Photographs compliments CIG