On 12th July 2001, the Queen and HRH Prince Philip visited the the Bailiwick. Islanders may have had to wait twelve years for this event, but the wait was worthwhile as they turned up in their thousands to greet the royal couple. In one of her most relaxed official visits, the Queen was touched by the welcome she received. 

Following an official reception at Beau Sejour, the Queen opened the 201 Squadron museum at Castle Cornet, had lunch with the Lt-Governor and then traveled to Alderney to open the extension to St Anne's school.

She was joined by the Duke of Edinburgh who flew in by helicopter from the Royal Marines Base in Plymouth where he had presented new Colours.  

As the whistle-stop tour continued, they moved on to Sark for a tea party at La Seigneurie. Later in the afternoon, they flew back to Guernsey to unveil the Vale Millennium stone where thousands again lined the streets and common to catch a glimpse of the Royal couple. Finally she had dinner with States members at Beau Sejour. The next day they  traveled to Jersey.

The visit attracted the world's media with press photographers and news camera crews following the Royal couple all along the route.

Unveiling of Millennium Stone