King Charles III thanked Bermuda for a warm welcome in a speech at Government House last night.

Speaking to garden party attendees at Government House at Langton Hill, after a day of touring the island, the King said: “I need hardly say that Bermuda, like all the Overseas Territories, is a most cherished and important member of the British family with a friendship, as solid as this so-called rock.

“For my family in particular, Bermuda has a distinct fond resonance.

“Sadly, increasingly few of us are old enough to remember that my mother and father, the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, made Bermuda the first stop in their Coronation Tour in 1953.”

The King noted that his family have often visited the island, adding that it meant a great deal to be invited back to the island by David Burt, the Premier.

He added: “I am told to my amazement that it is the first time in Bermuda’s 400 year history that the islands have actually received a reigning king. I am terribly sorry it has taken so long.”

The King recalled his first visit in 1970 as a 21-year-old able to “bound up all 185 steps at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse”.

He said: “Despite the years since, the impression left upon me by this extraordinary archipelago has not faded, and it has given me the greatest pleasure to meet so many special people from the islands including, from what I can make out, half the population today.

“Against the backdrop of such great natural scenery, the young people of Bermuda especially shone brightly today.

“Whether they were showcasing their art, their sport, their commitment to service, their passion for nature or their impressive gombey dance, I am proud to witness that the future of Bermuda can be trusted to such safe hands.”

He thanked Mr Burt, the Cabinet and the members of the parliament, stating that their welcome has been greatly appreciated.

Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, noted the recent completion of work at Government House days before the visit, adding: “While it is an old joke that Royal visits are often accompanied by the smell of wet paint, it is actually quite true in our building.”

He said that while much had changed on the island in the past 56 years, what had not was the warmth of the welcome offered by Bermuda and the pride that Bermudians take in their home.

Mr Murdoch said: “Across sports and science, business and arts, Bermuda’s reputation is recognised around the world. That influence is shaped by strong community ties and close relationships with the environment.

“There is a passionate commitment to protecting biodiversity and I am glad Your Majesty had the opportunity to see that on Trunk Island.”

He said that he hoped the visit highlighted some of the best of Bermuda, promising that the island could fill another programme if the King’s diary permitted.

Mr Murdoch said: “This is a jewel in the Atlantic, a valued member of the British family and it is a very great pleasure to welcome you here.”

During the gathering at Government House, the King met with Government officials, dignitaries, charity leaders and artists.

Darrin Simons, Commissioner of Police, said he was impressed by the public turnout and reception of the Royal visit.

Mr Simons said: “Everything I have seen has been almost overwhelming. It looked like the King has really made an impression on the people.

“From a policing perspective, everything has gone positively. It has been a real opportunity to put Bermuda on the world stage, and the Bermuda Police Service are the quiet backdrop to many of these events and so far things have really gone well.”

Larry Mussenden, the Chief Justice, said that it was an honour to be among those who greeted the King when he arrived on the island on Thursday on behalf of the island’s judiciary and its staff.

Mr Mussenden said: “The King did say he was happy to be back in Bermuda. From what I have seen today, he was able to get around and the people have come out.

“He has displayed a huge amount of energy and I think the Bermudian people have responded to it. I think it’s a shining day for Bermuda.”