By Emma Reynolds
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Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex looked relaxed as they stepped off a British Airways plane in front of the Rock of Gibraltar today.
Their trip has already been roundly attacked by the Spanish government, which is said to be 'displeased' at their patronage of the former colony.
But the Queen's youngest son and wife Sophie Rhys-Jones seemed to be enjoying the regal affair as they arrived in sunny Gibraltar to join in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations for Her Majesty.
Imposing sight: Prince Edward and his wife Sophie Rhys-Jones, Countess of Wessex step off a BA plane in front of the imposing Rock of Gibraltar today
Regal bearing: Prince Edward and Sophie smiled and clapped as they watched a performance by the Gibraltar Academy of Dance
Creating a stir: The Earl of Wessex greets the excited crowds waving Union flags and taking photos as he and his wife arrive for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations
They were greeted by thrilled locals brandishing union flags and decking out the sunny streets with bunting.
The Earl of Wessex and his wife's journey has already infuriated the Spanish government, and follows a recent dispute over fishing rights off the peninsula, a UK territory which Spain also claims.
Edward and Sophie seemed at ease as they shook hands with Governor Sir Adrian Johns and Prime Minister Fabian Picardo at the spectacular airport, before being driven to nearby RAF Gibraltar to inspect a tri-service Guard of Honour.
They waved enthusiastically to the crowds filling Main Street to catch a glimpse of their party.
The couple will spend three days attending events and meeting stately figures, laying a foundation stone for Gibraltar’s Diamond Jubilee Monument, attending a Queen’s Birthday Parade and visiting the headquarters of the British Forces.
Jubilee controversy: The couple, pictured here at Convent Place on the peninsula, have infuriated the Spanish government after recent tensions over the former British colony
Warm welcome: Britain's Prince Edward and his wife Sophie Rhys-Jones are greeted by Gibraltar's Prime Minister Fabian Picardo (right) and Governor Sir Adrian Johns (centre)
Divisive moment: The royal couple have been criticised by the Spanish government for the 'deeply unfortunate' three-day visit
But Spain's foreign minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo has called the trip 'deeply unfortunate'.
Tensions between Britain and Spain have increased in recent weeks, with Spanish fishermen demanding the right to fish in Gibraltar waters, in breach of a 1999 ruling.
Some 59 Spanish boats based in towns near the Rock are affected by the ban on using their nets there.
Last month, in the shadow of the fishing dispute and the planned royal visit, Queen Sofia of Spain pulled out of attending a Jubilee lunch at Windsor Castle - a move which came at the request of the incensed Spanish government.
Last week, a group of Spaniards was escorted out of Gibraltar for their own safety after angering locals celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
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The atmosphere today in Gibraltar's Main Street was electric - we were all so deeply proud to meet these two wonderful people who were gracious and happy to be here!! Thank you your majesty for sending Edward and Sophie on your behalf - any member of the Royal Family will ALWAYS get a warm and friendly welcome here! :)
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Sophie Wessex gets better looking every day! She is looking fab these days..oh and btw don't the Spaniards have much more on their plate to worry about these days?
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I think Spain needs to concentrate on their problems and not niggling about Gibraltar! It seems like another trick to keep the Spanish people thinking about something else other than their HUGE financial problems
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Why do you keep on referring to Gibraltar as a "former British Colony"? As far as I know, it is still a British Colony...
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Delightful couple.
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oh look Sophie is wearing the same shoes as the duchess of cambridge.
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If Sophie's wearing LK Bennett nude pumps she'll have to answer to Liz Jones!
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Sophie is no longer 'Rhys-Jones.' As a titled royal, the countess does not hold a surname.
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I agree with Lee W for the US. Sophie always looks lovely and seems to slide under the media radar and I'm sure she is glad of it when we see what they do and say about so many other 'celebrities'. She and Edward make a wonderful couple!
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why no close up pictures of the countess and a lengthy article about her hair/clothes/jewellery etc.? Or is she not as important as a certain duchess?
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