The Earl and Countess of Wessex, Prince Edward and Princess Sophie, will have a packed two days in Barbados.
The couple will arrive tomorrow morning at the Bridgetown Port, where they will inspect a guard of honour during a welcome ceremony before heading to the joint sitting of the House of Assembly and Senate, which will be addressed by Deputy President of the Senate, Kerryann Ifill; Speaker of the House, Michael Carrington; and the Earl himself, in that order.
The Royals will also visit the Museum in the West Wing of Parliament, the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, the Jewish Museum, Prince Cave Hall, the Albert Graham Development Centre (formerly the Children’s Development Centre) and Kensington Oval.
Prince Edward, who has responsibility for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Scheme, is also scheduled to present awards to participants.
Minister of Labour Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo, coordinator of the visit, said yesterday that the purpose of the tour was for the Royal couple to embrace local culture and meet Barbadians, some of whom would be “ordinary” people like teachers, shopkeepers and farmers. In addition to luncheons, a state dinner will be held at Ilaro Court tomorrow night.
It is the first time since the 1989 visit by The Queen that there will be a state dinner.
