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As the Royal couple made their way into Jersey's rainy Royal Square yesterday, many will have noticed that they were preceded by a distinctive, shining golden 'club'... but what is it for? And why does it have such an important connection to the Crown?
The object in question was the Royal Mace, which was presented to Jersey's Bailiff by King Charles III's predecessor in name, King Charles II of England, 360 years ago last year.
Historically, maces were weapons used for close combat in battles, similar to a club – but that's not how the Royal Mace tends to be used in the States Assembly today (even if certain Members do misbehave!).
However, normally it would be carried before the Bailiff into States Assembly meetings on Tuesdays, and placed at the head of the States Chamber.
On Monday, the Mace was carried by the Viscount, Mark Harris, to begin the Special States Sitting with the King and Queen in the Royal Square.
What some may not realise is that the Mace has a very special connection to the Royal family.
The gift was given by Charles II as a mark of gratitude to the island for offering the future King refuge during a turbulent time. The island was then the first to proclaim him as King following his father's execution – a whole decade before Charles II was formally accepted as Monarch.
According to the Bailiff's Chamber, the 4ft10" Mace is made up of 11 pieces of silver gilt, and weighs 14lb, 13oz. For Queen Elizabeth II's Visit to the island in 1989, local goldsmith Richard Blampied was tasked with making a mini replica Mace.
Pictured: There was shock in the States Chamber in September 2022 as the real Royal Mace was cloaked the day after Her Majesty's death.
To carefully preserve the gilt, anyone who touches or carries the Mace is required to wear gloves.
The Mace bears a Latin inscription on its foot, which, when translated, reads:
"Not all doth he deem worthy of such a reward. Charles II, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, as a proof of his royal affection towards the Isle of Jersey (in which he has been twice received in safety when he was excluded from the remainder of his dominions), has willed that this Royal Mace should be consecrated to posterity and has ordered that hereafter it shall be carried before the Bailiffs, in perpetual remembrance of their fidelity not only to his august father Charles I but to His Majesty during the fury of the civil wars, when the Island was maintained by the illustrious Philip and George de Carteret, Knights, Bailiffs and Governors of the said Island."
That's because it dates from the same era as the one used in the UK's own parliament.
That mace was also presented by Charles II and represents royal authority. Without it, the House of Commons would be unable to meet or pass laws.
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