Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, arrived in Jamaica for a four-day Royal visit to celebrate the nation's 21st year of independence. This marks the fourth time in 30 years that the Queen has visited the island. Thousands of Jamaicans lined the streets from Norman Manley International Airport to King’s House, waving flags and cheering as the Royal couple made their way through the capital.

Published Monday, February 14, 1983

Jamaica welcomes the Queen 

Gave a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and her husband, H.R.H. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, when they arrived at Norman Manley International Airport, beginning their four-day Royal visit to Jamaica, the fourth in 30 years.

The Queen and her husband’s visit coincided with the anniversary celebration of Jamaica’s 21st year as an independent nation.

A massive crowd, estimated by official count to be one of the largest ever to turn out for a visiting Head of State, gave a tumultuous welcome to the Queen of Jamaica and her husband in a continuous display of affection from the airport to King’s House.
From as early as 5 p.m., just under an hour before the scheduled time of arrival of the Royal couple, hundreds of spectators assembled at the airport — adults and children drawn from all walks of life, their common mission to get a glimpse of the Royal party. The precincts of the airport were a kaleidoscope of colour with the flags of the 45 countries of the Commonwealth fluttering in the breeze while the black, green, and gold of miniature Jamaican flags adorned the fences.

The ceremony at the airport began with a formation display by the First Battalion of the Jamaica Regiment, resplendent in their crimson tunics and black trousers, which provided the Guard of Honour. Commanded by Captain Stewart E. Saunders, they moved onto the tarmac.

At precisely 5:35 p.m., the Rt. Hon. Edward Seaga and Mrs. Seaga arrived by helicopter. Mr. Seaga, smartly dressed in a grey suit with a blue shirt and matching grey tie, took the salute, after which he was escorted to his position on the platform.
Five minutes later, the Queen’s representative in Jamaica, the Governor-General, the Most Hon. Sir Florizel Glasspole, and Lady Glasspole, arrived, also by helicopter. His Excellency took the salute and joined the Prime Minister on the welcoming platform.
By this time, Members of Cabinet, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Michael Manley, and their wives, the Chief Justice of Jamaica, the Hon. Kenneth Smith, members of the diplomatic corps, and other distinguished citizens began taking up their positions on the tarmac, where they were to be presented to Her Majesty.

At precisely 5:45 p.m., the first volley of the 21-gun salute boomed across the airport, signalling the approach of the silver and white Royal Air Force Jet.
Chill winds and an overcast sky had pervaded the airport, but as the jet landed at 5:50 p.m. sharp, the sun broke through the clouds as if to show the Royal couple the warmth for which Jamaica is well known.

Elegantly attired in an aquamarine pleated skirt suit patterned in white, with a matching hat, white shoes, and gloves, Her Majesty looked very relaxed and obviously very happy to revisit Jamaica as she emerged from the plane, accompanied by the Duke and other members of the Royal party. Prince Philip, too, was dressed in grey and blue.

As they came down from their craft onto the red-carpeted ground, Her Majesty was met and welcomed by the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, and their wives, along with Major-General Robert Neish (Chief of Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force) and Commissioner of Police Mr. Joseph Williams. The welcome was warm and affectionate.

Her Majesty was then escorted by the Governor-General to the dais, where she took the Royal Salute, after which she inspected the Guard of Honour.

Next, Prime Minister Seaga presented the members of the Cabinet, starting with the Deputy Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Hugh Shearer, their wives, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Michael Manley, the President of the Senate, the Hon. Oswald Harding, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Talbert Forrest, the Chief Justice, the President of the Court of Appeal, Mr. Justice Zacca, the Chairman of the Jamaica Council of Churches, the Rev. C. Evans Bailey. They had a courteous bow and a graceful curtsy for the Queen.

Other important personages were presented to Her Majesty by the Governor-General and the Chief of Protocol, Mr. Donald Davidson, ending the 20-minute ceremony at the airport.

As the 15-car procession made its way from the airport to King’s House, the Royal party was greeted with cheers and waving flags by hundreds of people, including excited children, many of whom were seeing the Queen for the first time. The children had gathered along the route from early afternoon at various vantage points, eager to catch a glimpse of the Royal couple.

The excitement among the crowd at Harbour View roundabout reached its peak as they caught sight of the pilot car. Parents held children above their heads to give them a better view. The cheers of the crowd were acknowledged by the Royal couple, who smiled radiantly and waved back at the crowd from the elegance of the King’s House limousine.

The crowd continued cheering as the motorcade cruised along, with some waving Union Jacks. By the Bellevue Hospital, inmates could be seen looking over the fence.
Policemen and policewomen, smartly dressed in their official white and black suits with red seams, lined the route, joining in the welcome.

On reaching Upper Lady Musgrave Road, the motorcade was welcomed by a resounding cheer from the people, who were clapping, waving handkerchiefs, flags, and bits of paper. All along the 14-mile route from the airport to King’s House, crowds waited to give the Royal couple a bright Jamaican welcome. At the King’s House entrance, security officers had their hands full trying to restrain the hundreds of people happily welcoming the Queen.

Then, for the crowd, the first part of the Royal visit had ended on a final note of loyal, affectionate greeting.

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