In 1966, Queen Elizabeth II made a historic visit to South Caicos, a small island located in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. This visit was a significant moment for the island, as it marked the first and only time a reigning British monarch had ever visited the territory.

“In the afternoon, after a short sail on the Britannia, the royal couple will arrive at South Caicos. On the agenda here are a visit to an industrial display and a crayfish processing plant, and attendance at a donkey race and a sail-by of sloops.”

So reads an article about Queen Elizabeth II’s and Prince Philip’s impending visit to South Caicos by Ellen L. Greene in the February 13th, 1966, Sunday edition of the New York Times. It’s said that upon her departure from South Caicos, local sloops hoisted their sails and sailed past the royal yacht. Every year since then, the people of South Caicos commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s historic visit with the annual South Caicos Regatta, known locally as the Big South Regatta.

South Caicos & The Crown

South Caicos is a small island located in the southern part of the Turks and Caicos archipelago. It is known for its picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. The island’s main settlement is Cockburn Harbour, a historic fishing village that has been the heart of South Caicos’ maritime industry for centuries. This is where the South Caicos Regatta takes place each year, with events and activities centered around the harbor and the surrounding waters.

Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to South Caicos took place on February 23, 1966, as part of her tour of the Caribbean. At the time, South Caicos was a remote and sparsely populated island, with a population of around 500 people. The visit was a rare opportunity for the islanders to meet the Queen and to showcase their unique culture and way of life.

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) became a British Overseas Territory in 1962. Before that, the islands had been under British colonial rule since 1766, when they were annexed from the Spanish. In the years leading up to 1962, the Turks and Caicos Islands were administered as part of the British Bahamas colony. However, the islands were granted a separate administration in 1959, which paved the way for the islands to become a separate British Overseas Territory in 1962.

The decision to grant the Turks and Caicos Islands separate status as a British Overseas Territory was motivated by a desire to provide the islands with greater autonomy and to give them more control over their own affairs. It also reflected a recognition of the unique cultural identity and history of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Today, the Turks and Caicos Islands remain a British Overseas Territory, with a local government that is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the islands. The islands also maintain strong ties to the United Kingdom, with the British monarch serving as the head of state and the UK government providing support and assistance as needed.

The Birth of the South Caicos Regatta

The South Caicos Regatta is an annual, popular festival brings together locals and tourists alike to celebrate the island’s maritime heritage and enjoy a range of activities and entertainment.

Though Queen Elizbeth’s visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands occurred in February, the Big South Regatta is held in May and hosts large yachts, speed boats, float parades, donkey races, beauty pageants, Maypole dancing, and more.

The South Caicos regatta is a way for the people of South Caicos to celebrate their island’s unique culture and heritage and to showcase their skills and talents to the rest of the world.

The Effects of Queen Elizabeth II’s Visit

Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to South Caicos had a significant impact on the island and its people. It brought global attention to the Turks and Caicos Islands and helped to raise the profile of the territory on the world stage. The visit also helped to boost tourism to the island of South Caicos, with many visitors eager to see the places where the Queen had been.

In addition to its economic effects, Queen Elizabeth II’s visit also had a powerful symbolic impact on the island. For the people of South Caicos, the visit was a moment of pride and recognition, as it acknowledged their unique culture and way of life. It also helped to strengthen the island’s ties with the British Crown and highlighted the special relationship between the Turks and Caicos Islands and the United Kingdom.

Before departing from her historic visit, Queen Elizabeth II awarded several residents public service honors and the Turks & Caicos Islanders were charmed enough, they not only added the title “Royal” after her visit to the Turks and Caicos Police Force, but also commemorated her visit on stamps in 1977 marking Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee.

For information about the 2023 South Caicos Regatta – click here. We hope to see you in Big South to celebrate!