7th June 2022, 14:56
Earl & Countess of Wessex arrive in Gibraltar for three day visit; Royal couple will walk down Main Street at 11am Wednesday
Published by GBC News
The Earl and Countess of Wessex are in Gibraltar having arrived on Tuesday evening to a warm welcome before making their way to the Convent for a state dinner.
Prince Edward and Sophie are on a three day visit to the Rock as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.
After their BA flight was delayed for nearly five hours due to a technical issue, their walk down Main Street from the Convent to City Hall will now take place at 11am on Wednesday.
This is the first Royal visit to the Rock in 10 years, with the Earl and Countess of Wessex visiting as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
They were met on the tarmac at the airport by the Governor, Sir David Steel as well as the Chief Minister and his wife, before crossing the runway to RAF Gibraltar at the South Dispersal. There, Prince Edward gave the Royal Salute before the Commander British Forces, Commodore Steve Dainton, the Commanding Officer of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, Lt Col. Simon Dyson and Wing Commander Nel Doherty, RAF Gibraltar's Station Commander.
With the environment very high on the Royal Family's agenda, The Earl and Countess made a quick stop at The Nautilus Project at the Bayside complex, discussing Gibraltar's marine environment with students who contribute to the work of the NGO.
Next, they moved to The Convent where Prince Edward and Sophie spent some time chatting to the large, cheering crowd that had gathered to welcome them, before disappearing inside for a state dinner.
The three day visit will see the royal couple visit a number of local institutions, NGOs and landmarks, and their plans will include a much anticipated walk down Main Street, from the Convent to City Hall, at 11am on Wednesday.
With Gibraltar marking the Platinum Jubilee festivities, the visit provides an ideal opportunity for the Rock to continue to celebrate its historic links with the monarchy in this special year.
