An early chance to thank UK ministers for historic mission
Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy
Just four days after paratroops made their historic drop onto Tristan da Cunha carrying vital medical aid, the State Opening of Parliament on 13th May brought an early chance to say thanks in person.
After the speech by King Charles, I met Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, overseas territories minister Stephen Doughty, and armed forces minster Al Carns. To each I conveyed the enormous gratitude of the people of Tristan da Cunha for the history-making operation that delivered crucial supplies and personnel to the world's remotest community. It's been a great comfort that the skill and courage of the UK's armed forces, and the dedication of its civil service, were there when the island needed them most. I spoke at length with minister Carns, a former Royal Marine who was personally involved in planning the operation; he plans to meet and congratulate the personnel involved.
There will be more ways to express thanks once the incident is fully over, but this was a special opportunity to do so in person, and it was truly heartfelt.
Chris Carnegy with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
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| Chris Carnegy in Westminster Hall after the King's speech | Chris with overseas territories minister Stephen Doughty |
Chris with armed forces minister Al Carns
UK experts reach out to Tristan
Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy
Resilient island infrastructure, coping with climate change, and reducing risk from landslides were all on the agenda as I represented the Tristan government during a 'study visit' in London.
The 23-27 March 2026 event was staged by the FCDO and British Expertise International, which promotes the capabilities of UK industry. The aim was to link Overseas Territories with specialist businesses that may help them in future.
Delegates travelled from the Falklands and St Helena, Bermuda and the Caribbean, and Tristan colleagues had the chance to join via video link.
Delegates gather at the Westminster headquarters of British Expertise International.
Chris Carnegy is second left in the back row.
I attended presentations by global consultants Tetra Tech, Arup, AECOM and the Water Research Centre. Arup are most famous for building the Sydney Opera House, but were also part of the winning team in a 2015 contest to propose the sustainable redesign of Tristan da Cunha's public buildings!
It was useful to meet experts who are known to FCDO and may want to work on future Tristan projects.
At the offices of infrastructure consultants AECOM with St Helena Director of Programmes, Paul Cherrett and Falkland Islands Director of Public, Works Colin Summers.
Presentation by AECOM landslide expert Dr Mike Whitworth.
Tristan embraced by the Commonwealth
Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy
It was an honour to represent Tristan da Cunha at a series of events on 9th March 2026 to mark Commonwealth Day in London.
Tristan's link with the organisation is as part of the King's UK realm, which includes the Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.
The day began with a flag-raising ceremony at Parliament's Portcullis House, hosted by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
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Commonwealth Flag is raised at Portcullis House |
Chris with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle |
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| At Westminster Abbey | Arriving at St James's Palace |
The main event was a service of celebration at Westminster Abbey, in the presence of King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate and Princess Anne.
The King's message for this special day included a thought that will resonate for Tristan da Cunha: "The stewardship of Nature, the protection of oceans and forests, and the pursuit of prosperity secured in harmony with the natural world are duties we owe not only to one another, but to generations yet unborn".
The principal royal group at the service in Westminster Abbey
showing King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Kate
(Photo: Buckingham Palace)
Sir Viv Richards meets King Charles and Queen Camilla (Photo: Commonwealth / Ray Tang)
Reception at St James's Palace showing King Charles greeting guests with Chris Carnegy, top, second left.
(Photo: Commonwealth / Ray Tang)
UK Lords learn about Tristan at evidence session in Parliament |
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| Important issues raised with the constituion committee on 25th February 2026 27-Feb-2026 |
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Finance in focus, and Tristan friends gather, as JMC concludes |
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| Chief Islander takes part again by internet-link 28-Nov-2025 |
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Recognition for Tristan, and a meeting with the King in JMC Week |
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| Chief Islander joins discussions live from Tristan Council Chamber 27-Nov-2025 |
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