Royal Watch News

Gibraltar residents welcome royal couple

Jun 12, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Earl and Countess of Wessex

Thousands of people lined the streets of Gibraltar to greet the Earl and Countess of Wessex yesterday (11.06.12).

Excited residents hung out flags and bunting to welcome Prince Edward and his wife Sophie to the peninsula for their three-day visit.

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo told the Gibraltar Chronicle newspaper: 'The heart of British Gibraltar beats loud and we welcome every member of the Royal Family who cares to visit us with warmth, with affection and with an absolute certainty that Gibraltar will be British forever.

'We knew that in this Diamond Jubilee year Gibraltar wanted to show its affection for the Royal Family and Her Majesty in particular, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex are here representing Her Majesty and that is why the outpouring has been there.'

The minister urged all residents to enjoy the visit.

He added: 'You deserve it. This shows just how much you feel your Britishness.'

Following their arrival, the couple were taken to RAF Gibraltar where Edward inspected a Tri-Service Guard of Honour from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, RAF and Navy before they went on their extended walkabout of the streets.

Today (12.06.12), the couple have a busy day, including attending the Queen's Birthday Parade in Casemates Square followed by the Queen's Birthday Garden Party at The Convent.