Tristan da Cunha King's/Queen's Day

King's Day 2025

Report by Philip Kendall and Kelly Green with photos by Julia Gunther

King's Day on the 14th November 2025 was public holiday when we celebrated the King's birthday. It turned into a brilliant, fun-filled day with activities on the American Fence hosted by the school, followed by a reception at the Residency where the Administrator handed out prizes. Visitors and contractors also had an unexpected treat during their stay, as they were able to join in our celebrations. It was a lovely opportunity for guests to experience a real Tristan community event.

Starting the Day

Ian Lavarello starts King's Day by ringing the Fishing Dong.

School Hall Show

Flower arrangements

Flower Arrangements and children's miniature gardens

Chocolate Chip Brownies 1st Caryn Green 2nd Randal Repetto	Homemade Tristan Crisps 1st Caryn Green 2nd Priscilla Hagan	Apple Pie 1st Leanne Swain 2nd Catherine Glass 3rd Joyce Hagan

Judging in the School Hall

Some of the children's art

Children's Sports

Children's limbo competition	Children's potato and spoon race
Younger Children's running race	Older Children's running race

Parents watching from the school

Younger Children's sack race	Older children's sack race

Children's prize Giving

Wrapped prizes	Giving out children's prizes

Children's Games

	Above: Children fishing for toys in a tub.
Below: Children's lucky dip for toys (with a bit of help!)

How many Dognuts (treats) in the jar
Adult's Winner
1st	Charles Wickham
2nd	Shannon Swain, Acela Lopez, Marion Collins (joint winners)
Children's Winner
1st	Charles Hahn
2nd	Owen Glass

	Darts
	Gents Darts
	1st	Ricky Swain
	2nd	Jason Green
	3rd	Nicky Swain
	Ladies Darts
	1st	Emma Swain
	2nd	Sasha Swain
	3rd	Chantelle Repetto

Adults' Sack Races

Adults' relay sack race

Above: Jason Green. Below: Nick Schönfeld	One of the visiting yachtsmen
	Javelin
	Women's Javelin
	1st	31ft	Anita Repetto
	2nd	29ft	Becca Rogers?
	3rd	26ft	Kelly Green
	Men's Javelin
	1st	102ft	Jason Green
	2nd	99ft	Patrick Green
	3rd	96ft	Nathan Swain

Men's Tug of War

The winning side	The valiant losers

Musical Thrones

Children's musical thrones	Children's winner

Adults' musical thrones

Racing round the 'thrones'	Queen of the Adults!
Children's Musical Thrones 1st Ella Repetto 2nd Sophie Swain	< Adults' Musical Thrones 1st Lynette Green 2nd Emma Swain

	Beer Pong
	1st Shannon Swain & Leanne Swain 2nd Rachel & Caryn Green

Other Games

Balloon Game	Football Rounders

Five Finger Fishing

Adminstrator's Evening Reception

Adminstrator Philip Kendall and his wife ended the daw with a reception in the Residency garden, at which he gave the speech below and presented prizes.

View of the reception held in the Residency garden

Philip's Speech

Louise and I would like to extend a warm welcome to you all as we gather to celebrate the 77th birthday of His Majesty King Charles.

King's Day and before it, Queen's Day has always been a cherished highlight on Tristan da Cunha’s calendar, and we’re delighted that the sun is shining on us today.

We are especially fortunate to be joined by a number of visitors and new arrivals, some of whom have timed their journeys perfectly to be here for this special occasion.

For those who haven’t met him yet please welcome our new policeman, Barry Thacker.

Also from the Edinburgh, Becca, Rob and Brad arrived just yesterday. And also joining us tonight is Lawrence from the yacht Nicolisa - this is the most people he’s seen in quite some time!

We’re also joined by visitors from the Agulhas’s second trip this year, some of whom will be departing in the coming days. A special thanks to Nico and his team from Tekracool, who completed outstanding work at the hospital in record time. Thank you. And to Gerhard and Isak for checking out the harbour.

I’d also like to acknowledge my friend and colleague Charles from the FCDO. He’s received a warm welcome from everyone and returns to London with renewed enthusiasm and love for Tristan.

We also say goodbye to our tourists—Peter, Barbara, Chris, Matt, and Anders, some of whom have waited years to make this journey. Thank you all for coming and sharing this moment with us.

To the islanders also heading off this weekend, I wish you a safe journey and a speedy return.

Finally, to those visitors who are not leaving us: Jorrie and his team, who are working on the roads and the harbour, and Richard and his team, who assisted Nico at the hospital and will now begin work on improving the electrical wiring in the shop and the school, thank you for your continued contributions.

Before we finish, let’s raise a toast to His Majesty, to our guests, and to the enduring spirit of Tristan da Cunha. To the King!

And now to the bit you’ve all been patiently waiting for… the prizes!

Philip giving his speech	Lynette receives her prize