Duke and Duchess of Gloucester in the Solomon Islands

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester arrived at the Honiara International Airport amid tight security provided by the Police and members of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, RAMSI.

The chartered planed touched down Honiara 2pm and Their Royal Highnesses were met by the head of state Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena, the Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua and the British High Commissioner, Richard Lyne.

A traditional warriors' welcome greeted the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester to the Solomons.

The Duke inspected a guard of honour before he met other dignitaries and senior government officials in the VIP lounge at the Airport under tight security.

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester in the next two days will be engaged in various visits and discussions.

Their Royal Highnesses will attend an Ecumenical Church Service of thanks for thirty years of independence at the Saint Barnabas Anglican Cathedral.

Other visits include the Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Limited, the RAMSI Camp at the Guadalcanal Beach Resort and King George Sixth School.

They will also attend events associated with the Saint John's Ambulance Brigade and the Government House First Lady Charity.

Their Royal Highnesses will also pay their respects at the United States War Memorial.

The Duke will address Solomon Islands Parliament tomorrow, the third person to have been given the honour.

The other two were the then Prime Minister of Tonga and the then President of Taiwan.

British High Commissioner, HE Richard Lyne said the visit is very important because Britain attaches a lot of importance with its relationship with Solomon Islands.