Princess Anne arrived in Gibraltar at 4:30 this afternoon aboard a Royal Air Force plane which had to contend with stormy weather and high winds.
A Guard of Honour comprising 4 officers and 48 other ranks was on hand to greet her and after playing the national anthem, the Military Band played music from the Indiana Jones movies.
With the Cross of Saint George fluttering in the breeze, the Princess was met by the British Governer of Gibraltar Sir Robert Fulton, his wife Lady Fulton and Vice-Admiral Laurence. After the various ceremonies, the Princess headed for The Convent, a luxury hotel.
The real ‘work’ begins tomorrow with the inauguration of the Princess Royal Medical Centre.The visit has led to a formal protest by the Spanish Government on the grounds that it is ‘inappropriate’ and ‘hurtful’. The Spanish are also critical of the the ‘economic practices’ permitted on Gibraltar which are considered ‘unfair competition’ and conducive to money laundering.