In a first for the island, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council — the final court of appeal for Britain and its overseas territories — is to hold a week of appeal hearings in Bermuda.

The JCPC usually sits in London, but has previously sat in Mauritius, the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas.

A spokesman said that the individual appeals to be heard by the JCPC would be announced “nearer the time of the visit” in 2027.

The JCPC said it had accepted an invitation from the Bermuda Government to visit from April 19 to 23 next year, with justices to hear “a range of appeals, as well as undertaking extrajudicial and educational work to highlight the role of the JCPC and its importance to Bermuda and Britain’s other Overseas Territories”.

The 12 Justices of the UK Supreme Court also sit as members of the JCPC.

In recent years, senior judges from the JCPC’s jurisdictions have been invited to take part in appeal hearings conducted in London.

Lord Reed, the Supreme Court president and chairman of the JCPC, said he was “delighted” that the committee would be sitting in Bermuda.

He added: “The JCPC exists to serve the people of the jurisdictions which use it as their final court of appeal, including the people of Bermuda.

“It will be valuable for us to spend time in Bermuda and to get to know the islands and their people.

“Although all our hearings are live streamed and available for everyone to see online, we hope that people in Bermuda will take the opportunity to watch our hearings in person, and that young people will take part in the educational activities that we will be offering.

“This is an opportunity for us to raise awareness of the JCPC’s role and to show our commitment to serving the people of the islands.”

Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, said of the announcement: “The very welcome visit by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council to Bermuda provides an ideal opportunity to recognise the importance of a strong and independent judiciary within this jurisdiction.

“The visit will enhance public understanding of the rule of law, our legal system and the essential role this final court of appeal plays to uphold constitutional rights, as well as providing a stable, high-quality and fair legal jurisdiction [in which] investors and businesses can have full confidence.”

David Burt, the Premier, added: “It is a privilege for Bermuda to welcome the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council for its first sitting on our shores.

“The JCPC has served as our final court of appeal throughout our history, underpinning the constitutional and economic stability of our jurisdiction.

“Bermuda's standing as one of the world's most respected international financial centres is built on a stable democracy, a strong regulatory framework and an independent judiciary, with the assurance that the most consequential legal matters affecting our island are determined by judges of the highest international reputation.

“This sitting affirms that constitutional relationship.

“The Government of Bermuda is honoured to host the court and we look forward to the engagement this visit will bring.”

Larry Mussenden, the Chief Justice, called it “a distinguished honour” for the in‑person sitting to hear Bermuda appeals.

He added: “For many decades, the Privy Council has served as Bermuda’s final appellate court, contributing profoundly to the development of our jurisprudence and reinforcing the rule of law that underpins both our community and our international business environment.

“The forthcoming sitting, together with the Privy Council’s planned community engagement, will allow Bermudians and residents to gain a deeper appreciation of the court’s work and its constitutional significance.

“This visit marks an important moment in Bermuda’s legal history and reflects the enduring strength of our relationship with the Privy Council.”

Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, said: “That the Privy Council will now sit on Bermudian soil — bringing justice closer to the people it serves and opening its workings to those who seldom see them — is a welcome development.

“My hope is that this visit leaves behind a lasting reminder that the institutions safeguarding our rights belong to all of us.”

The JCPC has been the final appeals court for Bermuda since the body’s establishment in 1833.