By Adrian Frater, Staff Reporter
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II receives a gift from a student of Mt. Alvernia Prep School, shortly after her arrival at the Sangster International Airport yesterday. In the background are members of the welcoming party. - Patrick Campbell/Freelance Photographer
WESTERN BUREAU:
IT WAS a sea of beautiful colours and rich cultural offerings at the Sangster International Airport, in Montego Bay, yesterday morning as the tourist capital rolled out the red carpet for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, His Royal Highness, Prince Philip. As the aircraft touched down at 11:17 a.m., a mixed group of students, attired in Festival costumes greeted the Queen with the song 'This long time gal me neva see you.'
Security personnel and members of the welcoming party, headed by Governor-General, Sir Howard Cooke and Lady Cooke, moved into position alongside the red carpet that led to the steps of the aircraft. There was a hushed silence as the 75-year-old Queen, attired in a lavender and pink dress, and the Duke, clad in a dark grey suit, walked slowly down the steps of the aircraft. Sir Howard greeted the royal couple and introduced Her Majesty to the welcoming party.
Photographers jostled to take shots of the royal couple. The Queen was then whisked off to Sam Sharpe Square to attend a civic function. Shortly after, Prince Philip headed for Flankers Primary and Junior High School.
Prior to the arrival of the royal aircraft it was all feverish excitement as security personnel, Government officials and students fine-tuned their readiness. The road leading from downtown Montego Bay to the Sangster International Airport was lined with school children and teachers waving British and Jamaican flags.
A mixed school choir, comprising of students from Montego Bay Preparatory, Chetwood Primary and Barracks Road delighted with a beautiful rendition of Bob Marley's One Love.
The royal couple departed Jamaica yesterday on her 15-day travel will also take her to Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
