King Charles and Queen Camilla end busy second day of Channel Islands tour meeting Tamtam the goat in Guernsey

It’s not often the King can boast of a royal first after a lifetime of duty.

But today, for the first time, he granted a special title to a rare breed of goat in Guernsey by placing an engraved brass bell on a collar around an animal’s neck.

His Majesty conferred the honour to eight-year-old Summerville Tamsin, an eight-year-old female Golden Guernsey Goat.

From today onwards the breed will be known as the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat.

Guernsey was keen to recognise the special significance of the visit being His Majesty’s first to the island as King and sought approval to give their native goats a Royal title. 

The King and Queen are on the second day of a two-day tour of the Channel Islands and, after heavy rain on Jersey yesterday, the couple looked delighted to be on drier ground, with thousands turning out on the streets of St Peter Port this morning to catch a glimpse of the first visit by a Monarch since 2005, when the late Queen Elizabeth visited Jersey. 

After a busy morning that saw the couple attend a special sitting of the States of Deliberation at Guernsey’s Parliament, followed by a tour of local suppliers on Crown Pier and an afternoon tea, it was off to another part of the island to meet Tamtam. 

The king looked delighted to be introduced to the animal, affectionately known as Tamtam, and hear about how she was washed with shampoo and conditioner yesterday ahead of her royal encounter

He’s the King but I’m the goat! Tamtam stole hearts during the royals’ visit to Les Cotils 

The bell presented to Tamtam by the King in Les Cotils at L’Hyvreuse, in Saint Peter Port on Tuesday afternoon

The Queen pets Tamtam as the King and Queen recognised the role the animals played in Guernsey’s history, including almost being made extinct by Nazis after they invaded the island during WWII

The King, on day two of their official visit to the Channel Islands, chatted to Tamtam’s owners about his role as patron of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust

It is the first time in recent history that the protected title has been granted to a livestock breed and it will apply to all Golden Guernseys in the Island and elsewhere in the world.

It’s a particularly fitting honour for the animals which were dramatically saved from extinction in the Second World War when a local woman hid the remaining few from the Nazis.

The King , 75, undertook the duty with the help of schoolboy Joe Martin, nine – whose mother, Rebecca, owns the animal – after being given the bell on a cushion.

Charles chatted with Mrs Martin about the benefits of goats milk which he was told was ‘much more digestible’.

And he laughed when told he had met Tamsin’s mother, Violet, in his previous visit to Guernsey.

‘And they’ll eat everything if left to it,’ he enquired. 

‘Oh yes, they do eat things they shouldn’t,’ he was told.

‘You’ve got to keep it all going’ the King said. ‘I hear there is interest on the mainland too. Which is wonderful. Are they disease free? I am thrilled. I am patron of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. They do a wonderful job. ‘

A little early but the Queen looks delighted by the birthday messages presented to her by local schoolchildren at L’Hyvreuse on Guernsey

Camilla holds up a piece of artwork showing the island as she poses with the young pupils

Happy birthday! The Queen receives a posy of flowers from a young well-wisher

Joe explained that he had washed ‘Tam Tam’, as he calls her, with Head and Shoulders conditioner the day before to make sure she was as silky as possible.

Mrs Martin said she was ‘thrilled’ with the new royal title.

‘It will give a much higher recognition of the breed and will hopefully safeguard their future, and raise their profile, not just nationally but internationally to,’ she said.

Royal titles are granted sparingly, on the advice of the Cabinet Office with strict standards applied. 

The Golden Guernsey Goat is a dairy breed which is distinguished by its golden skin and hair – which ranges from pale blond to deep bronze – and is said to have a pleasant temperament. Their milk is apparently ‘delicious’.

Earlier in the day, the royal couple, unveiled a plaque in honour of their visit while in capital St Peter Port

They also have a unique history, dating back at least two hundred years.

A century ago a Guernsey woman Miriam Milbourne rediscovered golden goats among the scrub herds in the island and began to keep them.

In the 1940s, when German forces occupied Guernsey, most of the goats were killed for food.

Ms Milbourne managed to hide a small herd indoors for years to protect them from being taken and slaughtered, ensuring their survival.

She then began a breeding programme in the 1950s.

Today, Golden Guernseys are found not just in the island, but in the UK and the USA as well but are still considered at risk with less than 2,000 in existance.

During the visit to Les Cotils, a Christian community centre with stunning views of the coastline, the King and Queen also meet with delegations from the islands of Alderney and Sark as they were unable to visit them on this occasion.

‘I am sorry to have dragged you over here,’ Charles apologised. ‘But it’s wonderful to see you.’

The couple also toured a number of stands relating to organisations from Alderney and listened to school children singing them a special welcome song.

Ouch: The Queen, who turns 77 tomorrow, appears to lean on her umbrella for support as she arrives sporting a bandaged ankle alongside King Charles in St Peter Port on Guernsey

The Queen attended the Special Sitting of the States of Deliberation at Guernsey’s Parliament this morning wearing a compression bandage on her right ankle

Two schoolboys, Max Butel, eight, and his brother, Toby, six, gave the Queen posies of native flowers made by their mother. Lucy Watson, and gave beautiful bows.

“They have been practising them since yesterday and were so excited to be able to do it. It’s very special, a once in a lifetime moment.’

As they met with a group of ladies who lived on Sark during the occupation of the Second World War there was an insect-related kerfuffle as a persistent bumble bee buzzed around the king and landed on his cornflower buttonhole.

Queen Camilla bravely tried to flap it away as her husband chatted away without realising before the bee then started buzzing around her.

‘It’s not going to go away,’ she laughed. ‘Buzz off!’

King Charles and Queen Camilla, co-ordinating with touches of royal blue, arrived on the Channel Island for day two of their royal tour

Before they left a group of Sark schoolchildren sang a rendition of Happy Birthday to Her Majesty in the island’s native language, Sercqaise.

‘Very good, thank you very much indeed that was very kind. I recognise the music but not the language,’ she said.

‘Are you all going back tonight. ‘

‘I like your bracelet,’ said one little girl, pointing to a blue beaded bracelet around her wrist.

‘Yes, a lady over there gave it to me. It matches my outfit,’ the Queen said.

The Queen also told well-wishers that she was going to ‘hobble along’ in a reference to her foot injury.

Queen Camilla sported a bandage on her right ankle today as she arrived on Guernsey for the second day of her visit to the Channel Islands.

King Charles offers a cheery wave to well-wishers as he arrives at Guernsey Parliament at Saint Peter Port on Tuesday

Only blue skies above today: the King and Queen bask in the sunshine on a visit to Guernsey’s Crown Pier

Aides said she has suffered an ‘slight ankle sprain’ while on neighbouring Jersey – where the heavens opened for the royal visit – yesterday.

The white dressing was clearly visible as she and King Charles arrived in St Peter Port to be greeted by huge crowds and blue skies.

The elegant royal sported low heels with a royal blue silk crepe dress and coat by Fiona Clare but appeared to be leaning on an umbrella as she walked.

Despite the apparent minor injury, Queen Camilla looked delighted to be on Guernsey soil this morning, not least because the sun was shining. 

Admiring one lady’s flat shoes she said: ‘I wish I had a pair of those.’

She explained that she had caught her heel as she was walking and ‘pulled the ligament’. ‘It’s quite sore,’ she said.

She also referred to her birthday tomorrow saying that she wouldn’t have the chance to put her foot up and rest it as she was at the State Opening of Parliament.

This morning, the royal couple were greeted by hundreds of smiling well-wishers as they made their way along St Peter Port seafront to Guernsey Parliament. 

In some places, the crowds were five-people deep as they patiently waited to catch a glimpse of their King and Queen. 

A right royal welcome: in the sunshine crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of their King and Queen this morning on the seafront at St Peter Port

This youngster arrived with toilet roll versions of the King and Queen

Bianvnus! Many islanders offered a traditional Guernsey welcome to the royal couple

The Royal Standard is raised as the King and Queen roll into town

Stepping out of his royal car, the King raised a hand to wave at those gathered on Tuesday

With the sun gods smiling on them today, the King and Queen spent time greeting those who’d turned out to welcome them to the Channel Island

Saying hello! The King was greeted by an array of smiles as he walked along the seafront on Tuesday

One person who shook the King’s hand told MailOnline: ‘It was rough, like a proper worker who does things with his hands’

A little hand to shake: Queen Camilla, 77 tomorrow, has a chat with a young islander

King Charles and Queen Camilla striding towards Guernsey Parliament earlier on Tuesday

When they did arrive, the Royal Standard was raised on the Weighbridge Mast and a 21 gun salute fired. They then took part in a special sitting of the States of Deliberation.

It is traditional that a special sitting of the States of Deliberation is held when the Monarch visits Guernsey for the first time and occurred in 1957 for the first visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Seigneurs and Dames also paid homage to His Majesty. As he and the Queen took their seats in carved thrones.

Guernsey’s links to the Crown stretch back centuries. The Channel Islands formally became part of the Duchy of Normandy in 933, then Normandy and England came under common rule from 1066 after the victory of William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings.

After 1204, Guernsey pledged to remain loyal to King John of England when he lost his continental Normandy territory to the French King. 

An historic welcome: The King shakes hands with islanders in local dress as the couple head for Crown Pier in St Peter Port

A little Tuesday tipple? The King looks at a pint offered as part of a showcase of Guernsey culture, heritage, produce and environmental initiatives on Crown Pier in Saint Peter Port

Cheers! The monarch then picked up the pint glass of local ale before enjoying a sip

Ambrosial ale: The Monarch takes a quick sniff of the beer’s aroma, before wetting his whistle with it

The walkabout at Crown Pier saw the royals sample the finest Guernsey fare

And the Queen was tempted by a lunchtime refresher too, taking time out to sample an apple juice produced on Guernsey

Camilla, seen wearing an array of bracelets on her right wrist, raises a toast during the tour

A cornet for Camilla: The Queen chats to local ice-cream makers, who use the Channel Island’s famous milk to make their flavours

The Queen is spotted deep in conversation with local artisans about the knitwear they make and sell 

The King looked relaxed as he sat in a parliamentary chair for the States of Deliberation sitting 

The King offers a wave on the first official royal visit by a monarch to the Channel Islands since 2005

King Charles pictured during the ceremonial special sitting of Guernsey’s parliament

The Queen looked elegant in a royal blue silk crepe dress and coat by Fiona Clare

A salute for the King and Queen: The Seigneurs and Dames pay homage to Charles and Camilla

And now, 820 years on, the Channel Islands are the only part of the former Duchy of Normandy which remains loyal to the British Crown.

The King addressed the guests saying he had ‘happy memories’ of visiting the island in 2012 for his late mother’s Diamond Jubilee. 

He added: ‘I know that this area holds special meaning for many reasons, as it is very close to where the liberating troops were so eagerly welcomed by the populace in 1945 as they freed the islands from wartime Occupation. 

‘It is also where, with pride and joy, many people here today welcomed the competitors when you hosted the Island Games last year.’

After the service, the couple spoke to local school children and then walked over to greet people in the crowds who had gathered to see them.

The Queen is seen gingerly leaning on her umbrella as the royal couple make their way to  Guernsey’s Parliament

From one crown to another: Islanders lean out of the window of The Ship and Crown pub to snap a photo of the King and Queen

Barrie Ainsworth, who is 80 today, was wished a happy birthday by the King after being made aware that the Guernsey resident was marking a special milestone.

The King told Mr Ainsworth, who had come out to see the King with his family, said: ‘I hope they’re looking after you. Make sure you have a very enjoyable day.’

Brenda Ainsworth, Mr Ainsworth’s daughter-in-law, wished the Queen ‘a happy birthday for tomorrow’ when Camilla will celebrate her 77th birthday.

The Queen replied: ‘Thank you. Sometimes you ought to forget them!’

Jacquie Gordon, 56, who lives on the island said: ‘I said ‘Bianvnus’, because I wanted to give them a proper Guernsey welcome, to the King and Queen and they both replied ‘Merci’. I shook the King’s hand and it was rough, like a proper worker who does things with his hands.’

Christine Morton, 75, agreed: ‘Yes, he has a proper handshake, which I like.’

The King also took time to learn about the island’s natural environment 

Touching a basket of seaweed, the King chatted about the environmental initiatives Guernsey has in place to protect its rich marine life

The King stopped to speak to a group of medical students who have come to Guernsey as part of their studies, telling them that they were ‘desperately needed’.

Ivana Barbalich, 23, a medical student on an overseas elective from her native New Zealand, said: ‘I said Kia Ora to him, a traditional greeting from New Zealand. We said that we were medical students and he said that we were ‘desperately needed’.’

Guernsey has been granted a bank holiday today to mark the royal visit.

Later, the couple headed to the Crown Pier in Saint Peter Port for a showcase of Guernsey culture, including heritage, produce and environmental initiatives. 

 The King raised a glass to Guernsey and was united with the daughters of his former pilot instructor as he continued his tour of the island.

Meanwhile Queen Camilla toured local stalls sampling apple juice, ice cream and local cheese.

The couple first unveiled a plaque to mark Charles’ visit on the spot where the proclamation of his accession was delivered two years ago.

And they greeted flag-waving well-wishers before watching 16 traditional Guernsey dancers, dressed in Victorian-style outfits.

Camilla was shown a stall which produces the Guernsey jumper and said: ‘They really do keep the cold out. They are originally a fisherman’s jumper.’

She also sampled rhubarb and ginger ice cream from Le Hetcher Farm and said: ‘How delicious.’

And then sipped locally made apple juice from a glass from Rocquettes Cider.

Pier with a view: The King and Queen look out across St Peter Port and the RNLI lifeboats

A salute for the King and Queen: Lifeboat staff offer a wave from the other side of the harbour

Queen Camilla meeting guests at a tea party during a tour of the Island

The King pictured at the tea party shaking hands with local VIPs and military veterans 

Charles looked on fine form as he entertained guests at the sit-down event

Dave Domaille, of Guernsey Dairy handed the Queen some ‘vintage cheddar cheese’ and said: It’s an early birthday present.’

The King and Queen, who went separate sides of the pier to view stalls, were reunited at a stall for Little Big Brew Company, a local brewery which made a Coronation golden ale called ‘Charles’.

The King sipped from a freshly poured glass of the beer. Head brewer Daniel O’Brien said afterwards ‘It’s been a huge hit.’

Simon de la Rue said: ‘It’s gone gang busters. The King seemed to really like it. He said it had a good aroma but that he shouldn’t drink too much at this time of day.’

Inside a marquee at the end of the pier, the royal couple joined 77 locals and veterans for a tea party.

At the first table they met the family of Capt Peter Voute who taught Charles how to fly at RAF Yeovilton, Somerset, in the 1970s. Peter, from Guernsey, died in February, aged 85-year-old.

His niece, Nicky Gaudion, wrote to King’s office to say that Peter, who was also an usher at the wedding to Diana, was terminally ill.

Sitting at the table, Charles reminisced about the old days. He said: ‘It was an incredible time for me, we had great fun. I loved it and it was too short a time.’

Peter’s daughter Tricia Howitt said afterwards: ‘We thought we’d get a generalised note from King’s office passing on his condolence but we received a letter which moved us really deeply.

Carina Howitt, Peter’s daughter, added: ‘We were very surprised and we felt very touched that he remembered our father.’

And said: ‘Our father told us he (Charles) was one of the best and most natural pilots he ever trained and rated him extremely highly.

King Charles snapped at aide to help Queen Camilla as she struggled to get her coat on while battling wind and rain while undergoing engagements in Jersey on Monday

Camilla, who will turn 77 tomorrow, was meeting members of the public in St Helier as part of a two-day visit to the Channel Islands with her husband Charles

The warmer weather on Guernsey was a far cry from yesterday, when the King was forced to ask an aide to help Queen Camilla as she struggled to get her coat on while battling wind and rain while undergoing engagements in Jersey on Monday.

At one point the royal couple braved the rain and strong winds as they watched a military parade through the town. 

But after popping up a perspex umbrella, the Queen struggled to get her arm through her coat.

Charles, who was also holding an umbrella, then attempted to help with wife out – before a turning to an aide to ask for help.

The monarch looked visibly annoyed at the struggle to get the coat on, before the aide helped Her Majesty slip her arm through the coat.