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Prince Harry pays tribute to the Queen in Jamaica
Prince Harry says the Queen is as a "wonderful, caring grandmother"
Prince Harry has paid a personal tribute to the Queen, describing her as a "wonderful, caring grandmother" to whom he is utterly devoted.
He was addressing a banquet in Jamaica, where he is representing the Queen on a visit to mark her Diamond Jubilee.
Harry spoke of his admiration for his grandmother, whose devotion to others he described as an "inspiration".
The prince has already travelled to the Bahamas and Belize in honour of the monarch's six decades as head of state.
The state banquet was held at King's House in Kingston, the official residence of the governor-general of Jamaica, Sir Patrick Allen.
'Good wishes'During the event Harry, who is third in line to the throne, said: "If I may, just for a moment, I would like to take this opportunity to pay a personal tribute to my grandmother.
"For me, as for millions of people around the world, her lifetime's service to others is truly an inspiration.
"But she combines all her virtues as a leader and as a head of state, with those of being a wonderful, caring grandmother - to whom we, her grandchildren, are utterly devoted."
And, making reference to Jamaican music legend Bob Marley, he also said: "I count it a great privilege to be standing here tonight, representing the Queen in Jamaica on her Diamond Jubilee.
"Her Majesty has asked me to extend her great good wishes to you all and is sorry that she can't be here - so you're stuck with me! But 'don't worry, cos every little thing gonna be all right'."
Difficult pastPrior to delivering his speech, Harry took part in a "race" with Olympic 100m champion Usain Bolt.
Prince Harry sprinted down the track after a false start at the University of the West Indies stadium in Kingston as Mr Bolt jogged after him - laughing.
The prince then lunched with republican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, who greeted him with a hug.
BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt says Prince Harry's visit has prompted talk about Jamaica's future - it could become a republic rather than stay a realm with a monarch - and about Jamaica and Britain's shared and difficult past.
Harry will visit a memorial to a Baptist minister who championed the rights of slaves, and told his congregation "the monster is dead" when they were emancipated.
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Comment number 117.
Mynki_magic7th March 2012 - 18:13
Having lived in three countries with QEII as head of state, and two others with constitutional monarchies, I would take some convincing that life might be better in a republic.
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Comment number 88.
Sarah7th March 2012 - 14:34
I've never understood why so many other countries still have the Queen as their head of state. It seems to make far more sense that they should be represented by one of their own nationals.
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Comment number 30.
TechieJim7th March 2012 - 11:50
Pageantry is something we excel at - it brings in lots of paying visitors who also like it.
If you have ever listened to a Royal Marine's band and the tunes they play it sends shivers up and down your spine and is inspirational.
Harry is doing an excellent job and the monarchy is an excellent British institution - sucks boo to you repblicans!
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Comment number 29.
richardjackson997th March 2012 - 11:48
What a miserable lot most of the HYS'ers have been this morning!
I find the Young Royals approach very refreshing and uplifting, & I'm sure the Royal Family contribute to "UK plc" more than the State pays them
It seems to me that many of the responses are driven by the green eyed monster syndrome. I certainly wouldn't want their high profile lifestyle, despite the privilege
GO Harry, Wills & Kate!
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Comment number 22.
ichabod7th March 2012 - 11:33
Well, since we are now a nation of cynical republicans (according to this HYS's comments) no doubt the Jubilee will be a damp squib with empty streets and unused barriers in London as the Queen processes and empty river banks when the pageant sails by. Yes? Err no. The crowds will be huge and happy to show respect to a person not born to be Queen who has given 60+ years of service
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Comments 5 of 6