A History of Royal Visits Since the Bahamas Gained Independence

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – From the night a young Prince Charles watched the Bahamian flag rise at independence, to the visits of his sons, Prince Harry and Prince William, decades later, the British royal family has been part of our nation’s story for generations.

Now, as we prepare for the anticipated visit of King Charles III, we look back at the royal visits that have left their mark on The Bahamas.

When we think about The Bahamas’ independence, one of the most memorable moments is the night our flag was raised for the very first time as a symbol of our freedom.

And there to witness that historic moment on July 10, 1973, was a young Prince Charles, representing the British royal family.

At Clifford Park, he watched as the Union Jack was lowered and the Bahamian flag was raised, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our nation’s history.

Just four years later, in 1977, Queen Elizabeth II returned to The Bahamas with her husband, Prince Philip.

The visit was part of her Silver Jubilee tour, celebrating 25 years on the throne. During her time here, the queen opened Parliament.

Then, in 1979, it was Princess Anne who visited the country.

Her visit coincided with the 250th anniversary of the Bahamian Parliament. It was also during this period that the Bahamas Defence Force received its royal title, becoming the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

A few years later, in 1982, Prince Charles returned, this time with his then-wife, Princess Diana.

The couple was here for a private vacation rather than an official royal visit.

And the royal visits didn’t end there. In 1985, The Bahamas was back in the international spotlight when Queen Elizabeth returned for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The event brought leaders from across the Commonwealth to The Bahamas, putting our country at the centre of important international discussions.

The queen made her final visit to The Bahamas in 1994, again accompanied by Prince Philip.

During that trip, the royal couple attended the opening of the Bahamas Training Centre and also made a stop in Grand Bahama.

Fast-forward to 2012, when Prince Harry visited The Bahamas as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

That was followed by Princess Anne in 2015 and Prince Edward in 2016. Both official royal visits focused heavily on supporting the Governor General’s Youth Award programme.

Then, in 2022, Prince William and Princess Kate arrived in The Bahamas as the final stop of their Caribbean tour celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.