Prince William began his day with a morning boat commute as he embarked on a series of engagements in the Isles of Scilly. The Duke of Cornwall, as he is known in the region, arrived at the harbour in Hughtown on St Mary's, the largest island in the stunning archipelago 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, aboard the new pilot boat, John Guy. The vessel is named in memory of a long-serving Scillonian-born Duchy worker.
The new boat, funded by the Duchy of Cornwall, will support the safety of the island waters, including guiding passage for large ships. A crowd of excited tourists gathered on the quayside to greet the royal as word spread of his appearance.
Opening New Healthcare Facilities
The primary aim of William's visit was to open a new facility at The Isles of Scilly Hospital, where he also met staff and patients, sharing a laugh and a cup of tea with care home residents. William is said to have taken a close interest in the development of healthcare provision on Scilly since he took over the Duchy when he became Prince of Wales. He is keen to increase medical capacity to the Isles.
The redevelopment brings together NHS services and social care in a more joined-up model, making better use of staff, sharing resources more effectively, and improving continuity of care, particularly for older residents. This integrated approach is especially important in a remote island setting, where workforce and housing pressures remain ongoing challenges.
Sustainable Housing Development
Following the hospital visit, William inspected the near-complete construction site of 10 new sustainable homes being delivered by the Duchy. The development has been designed to help tackle the Isles' acute housing shortage, with homes prioritised for those who have lived on the Isles of Scilly for more than five years or who currently work on the islands.
Once complete, the homes will feature high levels of insulation, positive ventilation throughout, and rooftop solar panels. Each property will also include a dedicated parking space for the island car-share scheme, with provision for electric vehicle charging points. The homes are expected to welcome their first residents in winter 2026.
Recovery After Storm Goretti
Following Storm Goretti in January 2026, the Isles of Scilly experienced significant loss to its shelterbelt trees, which play a vital role in protecting communities from high winds and storms. The Duchy of Cornwall supported the community's recovery, providing additional resources, organising essential repairs, and commissioning expert assessments from surveyors and forestry specialists.
During his visit, William met local emergency responders and replanted a shelterbelt tree, reflecting the islands' recovery, resilience, and long-term renewal.
