His private secretary boasted Prince Harry would bring his 'own brand of enthusiasm' to his Diamond Jubilee tour of Central America and the Caribbean.
And the fun-loving royal certainly proved him right, as he had a ball knocking back drinks and dancing with the locals in Belize tonight.
It was the first day of his week-long tour of Commonwealth countries in the region, which is also his first solo overseas trip representing his grandmother, and he approached the situation with gusto.
He twisted and jived around the dance floor as the unlikely couple showed off some of their best moves during the Jubilee Block Party in Balmopan.
And by the end of the song even the super-fit Army officer would have felt like a drink to quench his thirst.
His Royal Highness certainly did that with some relish, and was seen sampling a dazzling array of spirits and cocktails as he enjoyed the local hospitality.
The celebrations followed a ceremony for the newly named HM Queen Elizabeth II Boulevard, where the Prince delivered a message to the people from his grandmother.
Harry told the crowd of about 2,000: 'Her Majesty has asked me to send her good wishes to you all.
"She remembers so fondly her visits to this beautiful realm and speaks of the warmth of welcome she received on her most recent visit in 1994. I'm only sorry she can't make it and you're stuck with me.'
Harry went on to praise the Queen, telling the audience: 'Though I am her grandson, I know I speak for everyone when I say, Your Majesty, you are an inspiration to us all. And it, therefore, just remains for me to name this street Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Boulevard.'
Harry is known as the Party Prince, and certainly lived up to his unofficial moniker, as he showed the adoring population he is not a stiff upper lipped monarch.
Indeed after a few refreshments the Apache helicopter pilot was the life and soul of the festivities, and even shared a joke with a man dressed in the country's native dress.
Indeed, the words of his private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton turned out to be wonderfully accurate.
Before the trip began he said: 'The Prince is hugely looking forward to representing the Queen and he will bring his own brand of enthusiasm and energy to every event.'
Once the royal had got his breath back it was not long before Harry decided it was time to return to the dance floor.
And his moves were even more extravagant as he enjoyed another spin, this time with a pretty young lady.
In fact it seems the Prince of Wales' youngest son is a big fan of Saturday Night Fever if some of the shapes he was throwing are anything to go by.
Captain Wales was certainly an officer and a gentleman throughout though though, and he made sure he was also winning over hearts and minds by mingling with the crowd.
One particularly heart-warming moment saw him sharing a jolly conversation with a young girl who had been waving a little Union Jack.
The street naming ceremony followed his arrival at the Philip Goldson International Airport.
After a brief Military Ceremony with personnel of the Belize Defense Force, he had a short meeting with the Prime Minister of Belize at the facility's VIP Lounge.
Belize is a Commonwealth realm with a population of around 350,000, has the second longest barrier reef in the world and is covered in tropical jungle with a diversity of wildlife.
Harry's visit is a particular boon to the country, as its economy relies heavily on tourism.
The two countries have had bitter border disputes in the past but now the OAS administers a site in the border area for cultural interchanges between people from both nations.
At the site the prince will tour an arts studio, where Belizean and Guatemalan children will be working, an art exhibition and a musical festival.
The royal will then travel to Xunantunich - a Maya pyramid, temple and Royal Palace site - to learn about Belize's extraordinary heritage.
At the Macal River Harry will launch a canoe named in the Queen's honour, which will take part in future river races, a strong Belizean tradition going back thousands of years.
And for his final engagement the royal will visit a military barracks to see displays of weaponry, talk to members of the Belizean Defence Force and view all-terrain vehicles, and boats belonging to the relatively newly formed Belizean Coast Guard.
The Prince will also join a reception of Royal British Legion members and Belizean Second World War veterans, before laying a wreath at the memorial to British soldiers who have died in Belize over the years.
And the fun-loving royal certainly proved him right, as he had a ball knocking back drinks and dancing with the locals in Belize tonight.
It was the first day of his week-long tour of Commonwealth countries in the region, which is also his first solo overseas trip representing his grandmother, and he approached the situation with gusto.
A regal standard of dancing: Prince Harry showed he has plenty of rhythm at a street-naming and street party in Belize tonight
Prince Harry appears in his element as he shakes some moves with the local woman
The 27-year-old must have burned more than a few calories as he cavorted with a spirited middle-aged lady during the celebrations.He twisted and jived around the dance floor as the unlikely couple showed off some of their best moves during the Jubilee Block Party in Balmopan.
And by the end of the song even the super-fit Army officer would have felt like a drink to quench his thirst.
His Royal Highness certainly did that with some relish, and was seen sampling a dazzling array of spirits and cocktails as he enjoyed the local hospitality.
Let's twist again: The royal appeared to have learned some Chubby Checker dance moves for the occasion
Three's company: Harry could not hide his delight as someone else decided to join in on the fun
Harry told the crowd of about 2,000: 'Her Majesty has asked me to send her good wishes to you all.
"She remembers so fondly her visits to this beautiful realm and speaks of the warmth of welcome she received on her most recent visit in 1994. I'm only sorry she can't make it and you're stuck with me.'
Harry went on to praise the Queen, telling the audience: 'Though I am her grandson, I know I speak for everyone when I say, Your Majesty, you are an inspiration to us all. And it, therefore, just remains for me to name this street Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Boulevard.'
See something you like Your Highness? Harry seemed excited to see the bottles of liquor at the bar
Prince Harry tucks into a refreshing beverage during a break from dancing
Indeed after a few refreshments the Apache helicopter pilot was the life and soul of the festivities, and even shared a joke with a man dressed in the country's native dress.
Indeed, the words of his private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton turned out to be wonderfully accurate.
Before the trip began he said: 'The Prince is hugely looking forward to representing the Queen and he will bring his own brand of enthusiasm and energy to every event.'
A thirst quenching potion: After his exertions on the dance floor Harry seemed delighted to be having a cocktail
Whisky and mixers: The party appeared have all the necessary ingredients for an unforgettable evening
He's back for more: Harry looked like he was having a great time as he prepared to sink another drink
And his moves were even more extravagant as he enjoyed another spin, this time with a pretty young lady.
In fact it seems the Prince of Wales' youngest son is a big fan of Saturday Night Fever if some of the shapes he was throwing are anything to go by.
Let's hope he does not take after Prince Philip: With any luck he did not deliver a Duke of Edinburgh-style gaff
Prince Harry appears to be having an animated discussion with the dancer dressed in traditional clothes
Prince Harry inspects the costume of another dancer dressed in a horned mask for the occasion
Masks of fun: Prince Harry is presented with a pink mask with human features drawn on it at the dance
One particularly heart-warming moment saw him sharing a jolly conversation with a young girl who had been waving a little Union Jack.
The street naming ceremony followed his arrival at the Philip Goldson International Airport.
Friday night fever: The Prince appeared to be channelling John Travolta as he showed off his moves at this point
Back on the dance floor: Harry seemed to be relishing the chance to jive with this pretty young local
But the pretty dancer seemed delighted with some of Prince Harry dance moves
Belize is a Commonwealth realm with a population of around 350,000, has the second longest barrier reef in the world and is covered in tropical jungle with a diversity of wildlife.
Harry's visit is a particular boon to the country, as its economy relies heavily on tourism.
Prince of hearts: Harry seemed to have won a young fan as he chatted with this adorable little girl
Prince Charming: Prince Harry charms the ladies as he is presented with a gift by dancers
He even found time to do some work: Harry was grinning as he delivered an hilarious speech at the street naming ceremony
A well earned seat: The Prince deserved rest his feet for a while following his exertions
Later today Harry will visit the Adjacency Zone run by the Organisation of American States (OAS) on the border between Belize and Guatemala.The two countries have had bitter border disputes in the past but now the OAS administers a site in the border area for cultural interchanges between people from both nations.
At the site the prince will tour an arts studio, where Belizean and Guatemalan children will be working, an art exhibition and a musical festival.
The royal will then travel to Xunantunich - a Maya pyramid, temple and Royal Palace site - to learn about Belize's extraordinary heritage.
At the Macal River Harry will launch a canoe named in the Queen's honour, which will take part in future river races, a strong Belizean tradition going back thousands of years.
And for his final engagement the royal will visit a military barracks to see displays of weaponry, talk to members of the Belizean Defence Force and view all-terrain vehicles, and boats belonging to the relatively newly formed Belizean Coast Guard.
The Prince will also join a reception of Royal British Legion members and Belizean Second World War veterans, before laying a wreath at the memorial to British soldiers who have died in Belize over the years.
No comments:
Post a Comment