Thousands Flock Falmouth to Welcome Prince Harry

MONTEGO BAY — Despite inclement weather, thousands of Jamaicans and visitors to the island lined the streets of Falmouth this morning (March 7), to catch a glimpse of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales (always known as Prince Harry).

The Prince was touring the historic town on the second leg of his four-day visit to the island.

He was greeted with loud cheers from students of a number of schools, who had gathered on the grounds of the William Knibb Memorial High School to welcome the arrival of the JDF helicopter, which the Prince had co-piloted from Up Park Camp in Kingston.

After briefly interacting with the students, he was whisked away by car to the Falmouth Pier, where he was given a tour of the facility before boarding a trolley to see the sights of Falmouth.

His first stop was the William Knibb Baptist Church, where he was greeted with a rendition of the National Pledge in song by the William Knibb High School choir.  Prince Harry then laid a bouquet at a cenotaph in the church yard, before requesting another song from the William Knibb choir, which performed a cultural piece, to the delight of the Prince.

The trolley tour then took the Prince to the historic St Peter's Anglican Church, where he unveiled a plaque in honour of his visit, and in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of his grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen. Then, it was on to Water Square, Falmouth for a brief walk through before leaving for the Good Hope Great House.

Later this evening, Prince Harry will be treated to a Jamaica Night event on the Sandals Cay in Montego Bay. The event is being staged by the government in partnership with Sandals Resorts. Prince Harry ends his visit to Jamaica on Thursday afternoon (March 8), when he departs from the Sangster International Airport.

Prince Harry, who is the younger grandson of the Queen, has been involved in a number of scheduled activities since arriving in the island on Monday (March 5) for his four-day visit, in commemoration of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Yesterday (March 6), he met with 100-metre Olympic champion Usain Bolt, at the University of the West Indies' (UWI) Usain Bolt Track, where he "beat" the sprinter in a friendly race. He also listened to a moot debate by students at the UWI, Mona Law Faculty.

The Prince then toured the Bustamante Hospital for Children and unveiled the 'Rings of Life' statue at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital, following which, he visited Rise Life Management Services. A State Dinner was also held in his honour at King's House.

By Bryan Miller
JIS Regional Office
Montego Bay