The Earl & Countess Wessex end 23-Year lull with Visit to Turks & Caicos

By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

#TurksandCaicos, February 23, 2023 – Exchanges with little ladies delightfully donning the national costume; chatting with a war veteran recently honoured with a greeting from his late mum, Queen Elizabeth II; captivating the attentions of young recruits from the TCI Regiment and leaning into a conversation with a wheelchair-bound father, the Earl and Countess of Wessex appeared totally enraptured by the variety of people which on Wednesday evening, populated the landscape at Waterloo, the Governor’s residence in Grand Turk.

In an under the stars reception, the duo, who’d arrived just hours before at the JAGS McCartney International Airport, seemed smitten with the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands and on day two of the visit, the promise was that it would be more of the same.

The string of encounters will move to Providenciales, where the Earl, will visit the Edward Gartland Youth Centre and at the Gustavus Lightbourne Gym, a congregation of young people are to be addressed by the King’s brother.

Serious business too is on the docket for the Royals; a session with Security Personnel for a debriefing on National Security.

Exploration of the natural environment and an introduction to influential, accomplished Turks and Caicos Islands women will be a hallmark of her trip to Providenciales – many believe.  Countess Sophie will lead a small flotilla for a most exceptional view of the World’s #1 Beach, Grace Bay; is scheduled for some run-ins with the endemic Rock Iguanas and is set to see the barrier providing mangroves in the TCI’s valuable wetlands.

This official visit for the British overseas territory comes some 23 years after the last; Prince Andrew is recorded as having visited in 2000; a three day exploit.

Hon Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands will host a luncheon for the members of the Royal Family in Providenciales before their return to the Capital.

On Wednesday the official visit commenced.  It was around 5 p.m. the Royal Couple arrived by private jet at the JAGS McCartney International after two days in the Cayman Islands.  For the Turks and Caicos, and in spectacular form, uniformed personnel queued up for the honour guard.  Trumpeting sounds of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force band, dozens of miniature TCI flags waved by exuberant boys and girls of Grand Turk schools and clubs; and gun salute for the ultimate announcement that the Earl and Countess of Wessex were in country.

The public had been invited to the arrival and came in healthy numbers, also having opportunity to meet and greet and photograph with the Royals.

The Earl and Countess were met by the Premier of the Turks and Caicos, Hon Charles Washington Misick and His Excellency, Nigel Dakin, the territory’s governor.