Duke and Duchess in Honiara

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester arrived yesterday afternoon at the Honiara international airport amid tight security provided by the Police and members of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon islands, RAMSI.

The chartered plane touched down at 2pm and the Duke and Duchess were met at the airport by the head of state Governor General Sir Nathaniel Weana, the Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua and the British High Commissioner, Richard Lyne.

On his arrival he was also greeted with traditional dances and tunes and a warriors welcome.

The Duke inspected a guard of honour before he met other dignitaries and senior government officials in the VIP lounge at the Airport under tight security.

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will be taking a rest before the next two days where they will be engaged in various visits and discussions.

Today the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will attend an Ecumenical Church Service of thanks for thirty years of independence at the Saint Barnabas Anglican Cathedral.

They will also visit the Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Limited, the RAMSI Camp at the Guadalcanal Beach Resort and King George Sixth School.

They will also attend events associated with the Saint John’s Ambulance Brigade and the Government House First Lady Charity.

Their Royal Highnesses will also pay their respects at the United States War Memorial.The Duke will address Solomon islands Parliament on Tuesday, the third person to have been given the honour.

The other two were the then Prime Minister of Tonga and the then President of Taiwan.British High Commissioner, HE Richard Lyne said the visit is very important because Britain attaches a lot of importance with its relationship with Solomon Islands.

Source: SIBC