King Charles Launches Space Debris Tracking Project in Bermuda
King Charles visited a newly established UK Space Agency observatory and inaugurated a project aimed at tracking space debris on the final day of his royal visit to Bermuda.
Following the opening of a new coast guard station later that day, the King donned sunglasses as he ascended the boarding steps for his flight home, bidding farewell to the British overseas territory.
The King arrived in Bermuda's capital, Hamilton, on Thursday and was seen off by dignitaries and a guard of honour formed by the Royal Bermuda Regiment.
This visit came after his four-day state visit to the United States, which has been regarded as the most significant diplomatic event of his reign to date.
During his tour of the observatory on Cooper's Island, the King was briefed on Project Nova, which will manage the deployment of a network of telescopes across five locations to monitor objects in space, including defunct satellites and rocket stages.
His Sustainable Markets Initiative, which promotes sustainability within the private sector including the space industry, has played a key role in the £40 million project.
He subsequently inaugurated the new Great Bay Coast Guard Station in St David's, where he presented operational medals to members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment and observed advanced technology employed to safeguard the island's waters and marine environment.
Later, at LF Wade International Airport, a small group of dignitaries, including Premier David Burt, gathered as the King concluded his visit.
The monarch walked a short stretch of red carpet and engaged with prominent figures such as Police Commissioner Darrin Simons and opposition leader Ben Smith.
Shortly before boarding the plane, the King posed for a photograph with assembled officials, including police and security personnel.
Earlier Activities During the Visit
The King’s first full day in Bermuda on Friday featured a boat trip with the coastguard, a cake-cutting ceremony, and a visit to the National Museum of Bermuda.
He also examined artefacts related to the transatlantic slave trade and visited a conservation initiative.
This trip marked King Charles's first visit to a British overseas territory since ascending the throne.
"I am told to my amazement it is also the first time in Bermuda's 400-year history that the islands have received a reigning King," he told guests at a garden party on Friday evening. "I am terribly sorry it has taken so long."
"I need hardly say that Bermuda, like all the overseas territories, is a most cherished and important member of the British family," the King said during the gathering at Government House.
Earlier that day, he received a ceremonial welcome in the former capital of St George, marked by a 21-gun salute and a military procession. Later, a marching band performed a rendition of "Jamming" by Bob Marley and the Wailers.
The King arrived in Bermuda after departing the US state of Virginia on Thursday, where he and Queen Camilla concluded their state visit by meeting members of the public at a community parade in a small town.
This followed several days of formal engagements and diplomatic challenges in Washington DC, where they were welcomed at the White House by US President Donald Trump, and the King delivered a historic address to both houses of the US Congress.
The royal couple also visited New York City, where their activities included laying flowers at the September 11 Memorial and meeting families of those who lost their lives in the 2001 attacks.
During his visit to the Great Bay Coast Guard Station, the King observed new technology utilized by the Royal Bermuda Regiment, including unmanned underwater and aerial vehicles.
As he prepared to depart on Saturday, the King posed for a photograph wearing sunglasses, capturing the moment before his departure.
