Earl of Wessex and wife begin Diamond Jubilee visit to Gibraltar
On Monday 11th June 2012 Her Majesty the Queen's youngest son, Edward, The Earl of Wessex, accompanied by his wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex arrived on board the British Airways scheduled flight at 11.50 at Gibraltar International Airport.
They were met on the tarmac by Sir Adrian Johns, The Governor of Gibraltar and Chief Minister Fabian Picardo. They then drove across the runway to RAF Gibraltar to inspect a guard of honour and drove down a packed Winston Churchill Avenue to John Mackintosh Square where they watched excerpts from the production “An Audience with the Queen” performed by the Gibraltar Academy of Dance. They then walked down Main Street, which was lined on both sides by enthusiastic Gibraltarians waving flags, to the Governors residence, The Convent.
They planted a Jubilee tree in the Convent Garden and attended an award ceremony for recipients of the Duke of Edinburgh award.
In the afternoon they visited GibDock to see the progress on refitting of a naval tug, converting it to a medical ship, the “Jubilee Hope” a project by the Vine Trust as part of Gibraltar’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The Countess of Wessex, who is also President of Girlguiding UK visited the Girl Guides headquarters on the Rock.
In the evening the royal visitors laid the foundation stone for the Diamond Jubilee monument, Commonwealth Park and were entertained by the Government of Gibraltar at Kings Bastion leisure centre.
The events of the day passed off without any incidents. The previous Saturday, whilst locals were celebrating the Jubilee a Spaniard wearing a national football shirt started abusing people in Main Street and shouting that Gibraltar was Spanish. This was photographed by the Spanish press, who may have encouraged him. He was taken to the frontier by the police.
Spain's foreign ministry issued a formal complaint in May to Giles Paxman, Britain's ambassador to Madrid, in which the government of Mariano Rajoy expressed “upset and concern” over the proposed visit. Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo has called the trip 'deeply unfortunate'.
UK sources indicate that the visit was planned over two years ago, and has been very welcome in Gibraltar as have the Earl and Countess of Wessex. On Tuesday they have a full program of events, starting with a review of HM Forces Gibraltar and a flypast by aircraft of the RAF. In the evening is the annual Queens Birthday parade and garden party at the Convent. They leave on Wednesday.
By Jim Watt - Gibnews.net - Gibraltar
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Long live Gibraltar and the Gibraltarians!
Spain has also shed blood in Afghanistan and Iraq not just The UK.
www.facebook.com/Britain1592
The UK has used its strength and willingness to fend off the attacks on small territories by the cowards who seek to bully and harass these peaceful people.
Anyway back to the story, another great day in the commonwealth with many things as ever to celebrate.
Think they have more pressing matters to worry about, doubt they could afford it. Spain have put in 1500 troops, and thats commendable, but the combat effectivness compared to the UK troops is questionable. 85 spanish troops have sadly died in Afghan , all but four of those in accidents!!!
Lets see what happens, they are more reasonable than th RG's and dont tend to make history up as much eg 1833.
Lets hope they can afford to keep Ceuta Point in Africa , and end all european colonies in Africa jajajaja
@4 Is there any “valid” news from Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay? Three countries trailing along on argieland's coattails and under argieland's thumb. Before long, they will probably be under argieland's boot. All of them a bit short on morals and guts.
@9 Pulease! The Spanish already claim that Gibraltar has no territorial waters because they aren't mentioned in the Treaty of Utrecht. Conveniently forgetting that “Spanish territorial waters” weren't mentioned either and that the concept of “territorial waters” wasn't internationally accepted until the late 18th century. But still had no basis in “real” international law until 1956! But the Spanish also go and fish in British Gibraltar territorial waters using methods illegal under Gibraltar law. And they send their armed paramilitary terrorists with them. They even encourage their citizens to use boats and jet skis in dangerous ways in BGTW. And let us not forget the occasion of their armed paramilitary stormtroopers charging through the streets of Gibraltar carrying and firing loaded weapons.
WHAT A SHOW.....HAHAHA
THE FRENCH BRITISH CONCORDE GROUNDED...
THE TELEGRAPH ANNOUNCE THE UK DOUBLE RECESSION
THE OLIMPICS UNLIKELY TO BOOST ECONOMY...
FERGIE FERGUSON WITHOUT A COUNTRY ASKING PRINCE ANDREW TO RENT A ROOM....NO MONIES NO CLASS
DIANA SPENCER“ PRINCESS IN LOVE” AND THE US MOVIE THE 'THE QUEEN'' .....
You still appear to be typing in capitals. Why are you angry? Is it because Argentina is about to become bankrupt? Is it because the Falkland Islanders and the Gibraltan people have better lives than you and you are jealous? Or is it because you are a pathetic ex-Argentinian, who hated your own country so much you abandoned it, but have a festering guilt, so you blame your new country, the USA, and the UK, and all because they are doing so much better than your old country despite the recession?
Also, most of your 'news' is very old. Try moving into the 21st century.
Think about what you are going to write, then before you press the 'submit comment' button re-read what you have written. This way you will realise that you write a lot of irrelevant, racist bollocks, that frequently makes no sense.
Have a nice day.
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