Parliament celebrates three national holidays

British Virgin Islands

The UK Representative from the British Virgin Islands, said she was "very proud" to see her nation’s flag flying in New Palace Yard to mark ‘Virgin Island Day’.

Tracy Bradshaw said "the Speaker’s additional recognition" for the islands, which are located to the east of Puerto Rico, "was greatly appreciated."

The British Virgin Islands have been marking their autonomy from the Federation of the Leeward Islands since 1967, with a public holiday featuring music concerts and various festivities.

The British Virgin Islands were named by Christopher Columbus in 1493, after the story of St Ursula and the Virgins.

The islands’ flag features the saint within a coat of arms and the lamps of her followers, as well as the Union flag.

Cayman Islands

The first Monday in July marks the date when the first written constitution of the Cayman Islands came into effect on 4 July, 1959.

Charles Parchment, Deputy Representative of the Cayman Islands Government Office in the UK, said: "I am so proud to see our flag flying here – it's so refreshing to have a Speaker who is so interested in the overseas territories."

Under British rule since 1670, the Cayman Islands officially became a colony of Jamaica, 272 miles away, in 1863.

When Jamaica declared independence from Britain in 1952, the Cayman islanders wanted to remain part of the British Empire and obtained status as a British overseas territory. The new constitution removed the Jamaican legislature’s control over the islands.

"Not only do we have a national holiday to celebrate Constitution Day, but we have an awards ceremony in our capital, Georgetown, to recognise residents who have done amazing things," said Mr Parchment.

"We enjoy live music, fireworks and a day on the beach – it really is a special time."

Isle of Man

As the Princess Royal presided over official celebrations for Tynwald Day in the Isle of Man – Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle raised the Manx flag in Westminster.

Peter Boxer, from the Isle of Man’s Crown and External Relations Directorate, said: "Manx people are very proud of their flag, so to see it here at the entrance to Parliament is something very special."

Tynwald Day marks the annual sitting of Tynwald - the Manx Parliament - at St John’s, rather than its usual location in Douglas. The event on the Isle of Man saw the return of a programme of events, which were scaled back last year because of Covid, with politicians, dignitaries, the judiciary and clergy assemble on Tynwald Hill.

The Isle of Man flag, which features three armoured legs with golden spurs upon a red background, is based on the Manx coat of arms, which dates back to the 13th century.

Image credit: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor