The Diplomat
The Gibraltar authorities are currently decking out the streets of the colony to welcome the Earls of Wessex, who will be taking part in Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations from Tuesday to Thursday, on the 70th anniversary of the British sovereign’s accession to the throne.
The announcement of the arrival of Edward of England, the youngest son of Elizabeth II, accompanied by his wife, prompted the Spanish government last week to express its displeasure to the UK government about the visit, which it considered inappropriate at a time when London is negotiating with the European Commission on the future of Gibraltar after Brexit.
The Spanish protest has had the same null effect as that raised ten years ago when the Earls of Wessex paid another visit to the Rock, on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen’s coronation. Only a few days ago, the Governor of Gibraltar, Sir David Steel, in statements to the local Gibraltar Chronicle, rejected the Spanish arguments and expressed his opinion that the protest was more a “bravado upset” than a “real upset”.
In any case, the main streets of the Rock are already lined with Gibraltar and British flags with a picture of Elizabeth II and the slogan “God save the Queen”. In addition, both the Gibraltar Police and the Customs and Coastguard services are working to ensure that the visit of the Earls of Wessex goes smoothly.
Edward and Sophie are expected to arrive at Gibraltar airport from London in the early afternoon of Tuesday, 7 Tuesday, and until Thursday, 9 Thursday, they will have an extensive programme of contacts with the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, the Governor and other authorities, as well as with Gibraltarian residents.
The agenda for the visit of the Earls of Wessex also includes a visit to the UK Naval Base on the Rock and attendance at a military parade by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.
