Tristan da Cunha Government News

Tristan prominent in Whitehall Garden of Remembrance

Report and photographs from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy

A simple wooden cross in Westminster conveys the gratitude of Tristan da Cunha to those who fought and fell in Britain's armed conflicts.

I was honoured to take part in the formal opening of the House of Commons Gardens of Remembrance, in the grounds of the Houses of Parliament, on 2nd November 2026.

Chris at the House of Commons Garden of Remembrance

Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies, Commonwealth nations and UK constituencies will all be part of the field of crosses, as the nation prepares for Remembrance Sunday and the commemorations of 11th November.

Among MPs at the event was Al Carns, the Royal Marines veteran who as the previous Armed Forces minister personally authorised the parachute drop of military medics and vital equipment into Tristan in May.

Chris placing the Tristan da Cunha cross	Chris with MP Al Carns

Tristan da Cunha represents our wider Territory at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on alternate years: this year the wreath will be laid by St Helena, while on Tristan a special service at St Mary's church will be followed by a ceremony at the flagpole outside the Prince Philip Hall.

Andrew Wells sworn in as new Tristan Administrator

In traditional manner, Andrew Wells was sworn-in as Tristan da Cunha Administrator on Thursday 15th October 2026 in a short ceremony with the outgoing Administrator Philip Kendall.

Andrew Wells swearing allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III

Andrew signing the official oath of office.

Andrew Wells being congratulated by Philip Kendall as he takes over as Administrator

Andrew arrived aboard SA Agulhas II on 30th September 2026 and so has been able to have an extended hand-over period. Philip Kendall and his wife Louise departed aboard SA Agulhas II on 18th October, completing their three-year term on Tristan which began when they first arrived in September 2023.