A Jamaican delegation led by Jamaica’s Head of State,  His Excellency  Governor-General Professor Sir Kennett Hall waited patiently for the arrival of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain on Tuesday 17 February 2009.

After a 45-minute delay, Their Majesties’ aircraft touched down at the Norman Manley International Airport to a 21-gun salute.  The aircraft made its way to the parade area with the Spanish and Jamaican flags proudly displayed to the front of the aircraft.

With great speed, under the direction of the Force Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Errol McKenzie, a team of soldiers from 1Engineer Regiment (Jamaica Defence Force) rolled out the red carpet linking the lower steps of the plane to the saluting dais.  On hand to greet Their Majesties were His Excellency and his wife Lady Hall, The Honourable Prime Minister Bruce Golding and his Wife, Mrs Golding and the Chief of Defence Staff Major General Stewart Saunders.

After brief greetings, Their Majesties were escorted along the red carpet to the saluting dais, where they were presented with The Royal Salute to the playing of Jamaica’s National Anthem, which was immediately followed by Spain’s National Anthem, performed by Jamaica Regiment Band.

Her Majesty Queen Sophia remained on the dais,  as His Majesty King Juan Carlos I was escorted by the Chief of Defence Staff and the Acting Commanding Officer of the First Battalion The Jamaica Regiment Major Jaimie Ogilvie to review the Guard of Honour on parade.

Following the inspection of the Guard of Honour, The King was escorted to the Receiving Line, where the Governor-General introduced the waiting members of Parliament to include the Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Portia Simpson-Miller and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

There was a bevy of journalists, both local and foreign, gathered to capture the first visit of Their Majesties to Jamaica.  While this was happening, behind the scenes was the Baggage Party furnished by the military to safely transfer Their Majesties belongings to their accommodation.    

The pomp and pageantry of the State welcome lasted for about 15 minutes, after which Their Majesties were smoothly escorted to the historic Institute of Jamaica and later to attend a Special Joint Meeting of the Houses of Parliament.  At Gordon House, His Majesty paid tribute to all Jamaicans who gave their lives in the fight against slavery and promised Spain’s continued support to Jamaica.

Their Majesties two-day visit ended after visiting Jamaica’s first capital Spanish Town, the country’s second city, Montego Bay and other historic parts of the country.

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