Diamond Jubilee Tour 2012: The Earl & Countess of Wessex visit The Islands of the Caribbean: February 21-March 7

February 21-22: St. Lucia

On their first day on their State Visit to St. Lucia, the Earl and Countess of Wessex attended many events. First, they opened the Diamond Jubilee Le Pavillion Museum at Government House before attending a Reception at Government House.

On their second day in St. Lucia, they attended St. Lucia’s annual Independence Day Parade, visited the St. Lucia School of Music {Photo} and a Luncheon at Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa and Beach Resort.  In the afternoon, they launched   the new Website for St. John Association of Saint Lucia, Headquarters, George V Park, Castries, St. Lucia (where Sophie, Countess of Wessex serves as Grand President, St. John Ambulance in the Priory of England and the Islands). After the launch of the St. John Association of St. Lucia Headquarters website launch they attended a Reception for young people who have reached the Gold Standard  of the The Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Foundationand watch a performance by young people at Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa and Beach Resort, Pigeon Island Causeway, Gros Islet, St. Lucia.

Finally after a busy day, they attended a reception at the Prime Minister of St. Lucia’s residence.

February 23-25:Barbados

On 23 February, the Earl and Countess of Wessex arrived in Barbados. Upon their arrivial on the island, they attended a reception, visited the University of the West Indies, and parliament session {photo}, and attended a state dinner.  On Friday, The Earl of Wessex presented the Duke of Endinburgh Awards, while Sophie, Countess of Wessex visited the Children’s Development Centre to view their programmes and meet with the children. Before leaving, they commemorated their trip to the island by attending a ceremony at the Kensington Oval where a plaque was unveiled. {Source}

February 26-27: Grenada


The royal duo attended a luncheon, cultural performances from various schools and cultural groups at the National Grenada Stadium and unveiled a monument at the Botanical Gardens {Photo}.


February 28-29: Trinidad and Tobago


On 28 February, they visited the Governor General’s residence and inaugurated the Jubilee Gardens{Photos}. They also attended the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Parade {Photo}.

On 29 February, Sophie, Countess of Wessex visited The Princess Elizabeth Centre in Trinidad & Tobago, where she accepted a painting {photo}. Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex met with cadets of the Trinidad & Tobago Cadet Force {Photo}

March 1-3: Montserrat


They arrived in Montserrat on Thursday, where they inspected the guard upon their arrival to the island, before heading to the Governor House for an Investiture ceremony of Mrs. Oeslyn Jemmotte (who received the MBE for her services to Education and the Girl Guide movement) before touring the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) and taking a helicopter tour of the island {Source}.

On their second day on the island, they visited Little Bay Public Market for Market Day before paying their respects at the War Memorial. That afternoon, they officially opened the new National Trust Museum in Little Bay before attending a cultural presentation by the island’s schoolchildren. Before departing the island for the next leg of their tour, they attended a private dinner with Governor Adrian Davis and invited guests {Source}.  

March 4: St. Kitts and Nevis

Upon their arrival to the island, the island’s government officials greeted them. Then The Earl of Wessex inspected the Honor guard that consisted of members of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force. After their welcoming, they proceeded to the Kim Collins Highway to preside over the renaming of the 550 acre St. Kitts National Capitol Park to the Royal Basseterre Valley Park. After word, they attended cultural performances by the area’s schoolchildren before enjoying a lunch and tour of the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. In the afternoon, they visited the Children’s Ward at the Joseph N. France General Hospital, the Children’s Home (local orphanage) and Government House. Before they departed for Anguilla, they attended a state dinner and fireworks show {Source}.

March 5: Anguilla

On their visit to the island they attended the welcoming ceremony before attending a local church service in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s diamond jubilee. Then they attended a formal luncheon at the governor’s mansion before attending separate events in the afternoon.

 In the afternoon,   Prince Edward visited the Heritage Museum, then proceeded to the Island harbor where he unveiled a plaque.  After the plaque unveiling, he proceeded to the Government House for an early cocktail party. After cocktails, he toured the golf course. After his golf course tour, he proceeded to Mead’s Bay to meet and greet with the crew of a boat before heading to the Blowing Point Youth Development Centre for a presentation of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. After the Duke of Endinburgh Awards, he rejoined his wife at the Angullia Tennis Academy.

 In the afternoon, Sophie, Countess of Wessex visited the Marim Gumbs Senior Citizen’s home and the Blossom Centre for Disabled Children. Afterword, she proceeded back to the Government House for an early cocktail party. After cocktails, she visited the WISE Centre for Vocational Training where she visited various workshops and meet with both current and past students of the center. After, she moved on to the Angullia Red Cross before visiting the Savannah Gallery. She then toured the Koal Keel and met with the Soroptimist Club of Angullia. After her meeting with the Scorpoitsmist Club of Angullia, she rejoined her husband at the Angullia Tennis Academy.

Upon their arrival at the Angullia Tennis Academy, they took a brief tour before departing for a reception at the Government House {Source}.

March 6-7: Antigua and Barbuda

On the final days of their Royal Tour, The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited Antigua and Barbuda. Upon their arrival to the island, they were greeted by the island’s government officials before touring  Nelson’s Dockyard and its Museum. After the tour of the Dockyard and its museum, Sophie, The Countess of Wessex, planted a tree, celebrating the Diamond Jubilee. Afterword, she traveled the Interpretation Centre to receive a historical presentation. Afterword, they returned to Nelson’s Dockyard to attend a luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister. In the evening, they attended a State Dinner at the Mill Reef where Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex delivered Her Majesty’s message  to the island commerating her diamond jubilee. {Source}