Royal visit

Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, attended a parade and wreath-laying ceremony in National Heroes’ Square in Barbados’s capital of Bridgetown yesterday, as part of their schedule of official engagements during their Royal Visit.

The Royal Visit, which officially commenced yesterday, currently forms part of a Caribbean tour of a number of Commonwealth nations. Governor General of Barbados, Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Chief Justice of Barbados, Sir Marston Gibson, along with other local dignitaries, watched as His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Wales laid a wreath at the Cenotaph, following the playing of the National Anthem and a special Gun Salute.

His Royal Highness, Prince Charles also delivered brief remarks to members of the Barbados Coast Guard and Barbados Cadet Corps, following the Presentation of Colours, which also formed part of the ceremony, as Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall looked on.

“Officers, Warrant Officers and Enlisted ranks of the Barbados Coast Guard and the Barbados Cadet Corps respectively, good morning. On the 27th of February 1981,

Her Majesty the Queen had the privilege of approving the Ceremonial White Ensign of the Barbados Coast Guard, and I am indeed pleased to have the opportunity 38 years later, to present you with your Ceremonial Colours on her behalf, in the historic Heroes’ Square, Bridgetown,” His Royal Highness remarked.

“As you young men and women march off the square today with your new colours, I express my confidence in the Barbados Coast Guard and the Cadet Corps, that you will carry these newly presented colours with pride, and this confidence is more than justified,” Prince Charles continued.

“For 40 years, you have demonstrated with honour, your commitment, professionalism and dedication to service both locally and regionally, during your period of service to Her Majesty the Queen. As you, as part of the Barbados Defence Force and alongside the Barbados Regiment, enter into your 40th year of service, I am certain that I can confidently entrust these new colours and Banner into the safe keeping of The Barbados Coast Guard and The Barbados Cadet Corps respectively. In receiving your new colours, you would not only be honouring your country, but also the men and women you now so proudly follow. Congratulations and God Bless,” the Prince concluded.

After the ceremony in National Heroes’ Square, Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, greeted members of the Barbadian public and visitors lining the Chamberlain Bridge. They then made their way over to the neighbouring Parliament Buildings, for a brief meet-and-greet with local parliamentarians and later, a courtesy call on Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, who accompanied them. (RSM)

Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (partially hidden) greet onlookers lining the outskirts of the Chamberlain Bridge, during a meet and greet session.