His Majesty King Charles III sent a message to the people of Montserrat today, 17 March, in recognition of the island’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
“My wife and I have great pleasure in sending our heartfelt congratulations to your premier, and the people of Montserrat, as you celebrate the special occasion of St Patrick’s Day,” he wrote.
“I greatly value our ever-growing bond of friendship and hope we can continue to work together on important global issues such as the environment and climate change, which will benefit our future generations for years to come.
“I was delighted to visit the island in 2008, and was astounded by its rugged natural beauty and dramatic coastlines.
“Climate change and biodiversity loss clearly represents an existential threat to us all, which is why I am so pleased to learn of Montserrat’s determination to protect its pristine marine ecosystems through its interest in joining the Blue Belt programme.
“Our armed forces, too, have always been at their best when working together.
“And I know it was a moment of great national pride to see the Royal Montserrat Defence Force in London, marching with fellow officers from across the overseas territories and the British forces, as part of the coronation.
“My wife and I would like to take this opportunity to convey our warmest good wishes for the coming year.”
