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The King and Queen will not be presented with dead ducks when they arrive in Jersey next week – with locally laid eggs set to be used in place of the traditional gift during the environmentally-themed visit.
It has been confirmed that, in a break from tradition, King Charles III will be presented with two locally laid duck eggs when he arrives in Jersey on Monday 15 July.
The date has been confirmed as a public holiday for islanders following a vote in the States Assembly.
The visit will mark the first time in 19 years that the island has played host to a reigning monarch.
Pictured: The presentation of dead mallards on a silver salver to Her Majesty 2001. (Jersey Heritage)
During previous visits to the island, Queen Elizabeth II was presented with two dead female ducks on a silver platter.
The six seigneurs of Jersey have been giving British royalty the same present for 800 years as an obscure act of homage to the successors of William the Conqueror, who was the last man from their side of the Channel to beat the English.
But this year, locally laid duck eggs will instead be used to provide a symbol of sustenance.
The decision to replace the dead ducks with duck eggs is understood to have been taken in consultation with the Palace in recognition of changing times.
The King is also due to receive another gift more in-keeping with tradition – seven Jersey cows.
The gifts align with the wider eco-focus of Monday's visit, which will see the Royals attend a 'Jersey Expo' at the Weighbridge.
Among those exhibiting will be the Jersey Beekeepers' Association and Jersey Dairy, alongside other members of the agricultural and aquaculture communities. The iconic Jersey potato, the Jersey Royal, will be a key feature alongside other Genuine Jersey produce, including Jersey Sea Salt.
The King and Queen, who will later attend a tea party with islanders, will also hear about the island's climate, energy, and offshore wind farm plans, transport and natural environment.
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