Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex greeted delighted onlookers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines today as they arrived at the second destination of their seven-day tour of the Caribbean.
The red carpet was rolled out yet again as the Earl and Countess of Wessex arrived at Argyle International Airport on Saturday, while steel drums playing One Love by Bob Marley welcomed them to the island.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the second destination of their week-long Caribbean tour. The royal couple visited Saint Lucia on Friday – days after the Grenada leg of their trip was postponed at the 11th hour.
The Countess of Wessex opted for a light floral dress for the visit, which she paired with heeled sandals and a brightly-coloured suede bag. Sophie wore two gold bracelets, and kept her hair tied back in a sleek up-do.
As the royal couple arrived in Argyle, Sophie was quick to greet groups of excited scouts and girl guides who lined each side of the red carpet, all waving the colourful flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
But despite the warm welcome, today’s visit came after another Caribbean country warned the pair to avoid ‘phoney sanctimony’ over slavery.
Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex greeted delighted onlookers in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines today as they reached the second destination of their seven-day tour of the Caribbean
The red carpet was rolled out yet again as Earl and Countess of Wessex arrived at Argyle International Airport on Saturday, while steel drums playing One Love by Bob Marley welcomed them to the island
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the second destination of their week-long Caribbean tour. The royal couple visited Saint Lucia on Friday – days after the Grenada leg of their trip was postponed at the 11th hour
The reception for the royal couple was overwhelmingly friendly, and they were presented with a bouquet of flowers by primary school pupil Ashley Church (above) upon arrival by airplane
In an open letter to the pair, Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission said: ‘We hear the phoney sanctimony of those who came before you that these crimes are a stain on your history.
‘For us, they are the source of genocide and of continuing deep international injury, injustice and racism. We hope you will respect us by not repeating the mantra. We are not simpletons.’
The Platinum Jubilee tour was organised to mark the Queen’s 70-year reign, and it comes shortly after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were criticised for some elements of their recent Caribbean tour.
But the reception for the Wessexes was overwhelmingly friendly, and they were presented with a bouquet of flowers by primary school pupil Ashley Church upon arrival by airplane.
Before standing on a platform to observe a guard of honour, Prince Edward was greeted by governor-general Dame Susan Dougan, followed by acting prime minister Montgomery Daniel.
The Countess of Wessex opted for a light floral dress for the visit, which she paired with heeled sandals and a brightly-coloured suede bag. Sophie wore two gold bracelets, and kept her hair back in a sleek up-do
As the royal couple arrived in Argyle, Sophie was quick to greet groups of excited scouts and girl guides who lined the red carpet, all waving the colourful flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and Dame Susan Dougan walk side by side at Argyle International Airport
Prince Edward presents a medal to one of the winners of 100m races and a 70m sprint in honour of the Platinum Jubilee at The Sir Vincent Beach National Stadium
Prince Edward visited the island’s national stadium where he met athletes training for Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games
Throughout the day, the couple carried out separate engagements as part of their one-day trip to the island.
Sophie visited a community college, where she was welcomed by the La Gracia Dance Company.
As part of her aim to champion the need for support and equality for blind and partially sighted people, the countess met with representatives of two organisations: Persons With Disabilities and the Society Of And For The Blind.
She also met with women’s groups to hear about their role in the community’s response to last year’s eruption of the La Soufriere volcano.
At the same time, Prince Edward visited the island’s national stadium where he greeted athletes training for Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games. He observed two sprint races held in honour of the Platinum Jubilee.
Throughout the day, the couple carried out separate engagements as part of their one-day trip to the island
The pair are due to plant a tree to mark the Queen’s 70 years as monarch, before hearing about the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic
Both Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex continued to wear face masks throughout their visit on Saturday
Despite the warm welcome, today’s visit came after another Caribbean country warned the pair to avoid ‘ phoney sanctimony’ over slavery
Prince Edward during the ceremonial welcome at Argyle International Airport in St Vincent and the Grenadines
Later this afternoon, after the couple have lunch with the governor general and the islands’ acting prime minister, they will visit the botanical gardens.
The pair are due to plant a tree to mark the Queen’s 70 years as monarch, before hearing about the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Before departing, Edward and Sophie will travel to the prime minister’s residence for a meeting with the acting prime minister and members of cabinet.
The latest comes after the couple’s trip to Grenada was cancelled after consultations with Island’s government and governor-general.
Sophie visited a community college (pictured above), where she was welcomed by the La Gracia Dance Company
As part of her aim to champion the need for support and equality for blind and partially sighted people, the countess will meet representatives of two organisations, Persons With Disabilities, and the Society Of And For The Blind
Prince Edward resents a medal to one of the winners of 100m races and a 70m sprint in honour of the Platinum Jubilee
While there is a definite sense of the country, which secured independence from Britain in 1974, inevitably progressing to become a republic one day, it is not a nation where the issue is particularly prevalent at the moment.
But sources have indicated that lengthy discussions with the Grenadian government and local officials to ensure the Wessexes’ itinerary would meet the aims of the tour – to celebrate the island’s heritage and ongoing successes as well as marking The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – had thrown up problems.
As a result of those discussions, the Governor General Cecile La Grenade advised that the trip should be postponed.
She was unwilling to discuss the specifics of the problem yesterday but an aide said: ‘All I can say at this stage is that it was a mutual decision.’
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