Earl and Countess of Wessex to visit two Overseas Territories this month

The Earl and Countess of Wessex are set to visit the Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands later this month, it has been announced. The Royal couple will visit the Cayman Islands on the 20th-22nd February, before heading to TCI on the 22nd-23rd.

When visiting the Cayman Islands, they will meet with the Governor for a reception at Government House. In addition, the Countess will open the Islands’ 54th annual Agricultural Show in Bodden Town on Grand Cayman. The show allows the public to meet local farmers, as well as enjoy entertainment throughout the day. After ringing the cow bell, the Countess will be given a tour of the show.

The Earl, as a patron of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), will be present for the launch of the CCMI’s Coral Fund. The fund, which seeks to raise approximately $2.5 million USD over the next 3 years, will support the development of the CCMI, including significant investment into new facilities for the organisation and funds to continue their vital research in areas such as climate change.

Following this, Their Royal Highnesses will meet successful recipients of the Gold Award in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, before continuing their Caribbean trip in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Governor Martyn Roper noted: “My time here began with the visit by the former Prince of Wales and it is fitting that my time here in Cayman should end with a visit from his brother, HRH The Earl of Wessex. I look forward to welcoming the Royal couple to the Cayman Islands.

On arrival in the Turks and Caicos Islands, they will be received by the Governor Nigel Dakin with an Honour Guard, before attending a reception alongside other members of the Government at Waterloo, as well as members of the community who have been chosen for their outstanding contribution to society day-by-day.

The Governor announced on his Instagram account that the Earl and Countess will then travel to Providenciales, the most populous island, “to witness the work we do to protect our borders, our people and our extraordinary natural habitat including mangroves, unique Iguanas and the third largest Barrier Reef in the world.”