Famous People

The British Royal family are great patrons of the Falkland Islands with most members having made at least one visit to our shores.

As long ago as 1871, the Duke of Edinburgh, then Prince Alfred, in HMS Galatea returning from New Zealand made a stop in the Falklands. “His Royal Highness was pleased to express himself gratified with his visit.” Some years later in 1957, the present Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, enjoyed a visit on board the Royal yacht Britannia. He described his expedition as “a great success”. “It was a lovely clear sunny day with a sparkling, vivid blue sea against black rocks, dark brown seaweed and almost white sandy beaches with a background of gently rolling grass and heather covered hills.” Prince Philip returned in 1991.

In recent years, Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne and Prince Edward have all paid visits to the Islands. Each has toured the Islands on itineraries designed to appeal to their individual interests whilst carrying out royal duties. 

Prince Andrew fought as a Royal Navy helicopter pilot in 1982, returned to open Mount Pleasant in 1985 and then again to partake in the 20^th anniversary commemorations and open a new Primary School building. 

Prince William spent time based at Mount Pleasant as pilot of the Search and Rescue helicopter. Residents of all ages were pleased to meet with him when he made a visit to Stanley.

The British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher visited the Falklands for the first time on 10^th January 1983 to mark the 150^th anniversary of the establishment of British settlement. She commented “I was deeply touched by the warmth and kindness of the welcome I received everywhere I went and from everyone I met.” 10^th January is known as “Margaret Thatcher Day” and a bust is located on Thatcher Drive in memoriam of her decision to send the British Task Force in 1982.

Ernest Shackleton, the Antarctic explorer came to the Falklands to organise the rescue of his men from Elephant Island. He is said to have commented that his room in the Governor’s house was colder than the Antarctic but this did not deter his son, Edward Shackleton, who arrived in 1976. Edward visited many parts of the Islands, authoring a report which set out recommendations for the future of the Islands. The Garter Banner of Edward Shackleton now hangs in Christ Church Cathedral on his request.

Charles Darwin was just a young man when he came to the Falklands. He was fascinated by the stone runs and impressed with his fossil finds which led, in part, to his later famous theories.

Ben Fogle found fame initially from his appearance in the BBC programme “Castaway” which resulted in an invitation to the Falklands to experience every-day life in a truly remote community. He wrote and spoke fondly of his time here and many of his observations and experiences still ring true today. Ben helped out with bread-making, rounding up horses, catching fish and started the annual “Tumbledown Run” for Stanley school children. He loved photographing the wildlife but especially meeting the people who pleased to welcome him to their homes.

Dame Ellen MacArthur was enthusiastically greeted by Islanders on more than one occasion. She had sailed past the Falklands on round-the-world challenges but was determined to visit. Dame Ellen was subsequently inspired by a meeting with Islander Sally Poncet to take part in an albatross survey in South Georgia.