Party-loving
Prince Harry is to visit Rio as part of his first solo royal tour in March.
The
27-year-old is also planning to stay on in Brazil for a three day holiday
afterwards, giving him plenty of time admire the sights on Ipanema Beach.
The
third-in-line-to-the-throne is undertaking the 10-day trip on behalf of the
Queen as part of his grandmother’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
He will
visit Belize from March 2 to 3, the Bahamas (New Providence Island) March from
3rd to 5th and the Jamaica (including Kingston and Falmouth) March 5 to 8.
The last of
these legs is likely to be particularly politically sensitive as the new Jamaican
Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, has vowed to abandon the Queen as head
of state and adopt a republican form of government.
The
itinerary for the foreign visits has not been released but Harry is almost
certain to meet her at some point during his tour.
Afterwards
he will fly onto Brazil, visiting the capital Rio de Janeiro and the State of
Sao Paolo, between March 9 to 11.
St James’s
Palace said the South American leg of his trip was being carried out ‘at the
request and in support of’ the British Government.
Organised by
the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, it is designed to ‘enhance’ the
partnership between the United Kingdom and Brazil, which is regarded as a vital
emerging market for British exports.
Prince
Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall visited the country in 2009 as part of the
same trade push – although Harry’s father was also seen to enjoy an impromptu
Samba with three exotically-dressed dancers.
A spokesman
for the prince said he also hoped to use the visit to further the interests of
the charitable foundation he has set up with his brother, Prince William, which
focuses on young people, conservation and the armed forces.
Harry is
currently in the final stage of his training with the Army Air Corps to become
an Apache attack helicopter pilot and hopes to be deployed to Afghanistan later
this year.
His presence
in South America at the same his brother is controversially based with the RAF
in the Falklands may be seen as inflammatory by Brazil’s neighbour and close
trading partner, Argentina, however.
The
Argentinians have already made clear they believe Search and Rescue pilot
William’s deployment so close to the 30th anniversary of the conflict is an
‘inflammatory’ gesture.
However
Foreign Secretary William Hague, who is currently on an official visit to
Brazil, welcomed the announcement.
Speaking
alongside Sergio Cabral, Governor of Rio de Janeiro, Mr Hague said: ‘Brazil and
the UK have much in common, with a shared history and close cultural bonds.
‘We are
committed to strengthening our political, cultural and economic ties, and it is
with this in mind that I am visiting Brazil - my first South American trip as
Foreign Secretary.
‘I am now
pleased to announce that His Royal Highness Prince Harry will also soon be
here, and will attend the Great Campaign launch event in March.
‘We hope,
through this renewed and continued engagement with Brazil, to show that we in
the UK are open for business with the rest of the world and determined to build
our relationships.’
Harry's
visit is the first of many foreign tours the Royal Family will make this year
to mark the Queen's 60-year reign.
Jay-Z is congratulated by a host of
glamorous celebrities as he makes first public outing since becoming a father
He has
plenty to celebrate after becoming a father for the first time two weeks ago.
And
following some recuperation with wife Beyonce and their new baby girl Blue Ivy
Carter, it was time for Jay-Z to go back to work.
The rapper
made his first public appearance since the birth of his daughter at the
reopening of his nightclub 40/40.
A crowd of
fans gathering outside reportedly shouted ‘congratulations’ as Jay-Z made his
way inside.
He is
understood to have responded: ‘Thank you,’ while giving his admirers an
enthusiastic wave.
New Dad: Jay-Z seemed in good spirits
as he arrived at the re-opening of his nightclub;
He attended
the event alone while his 30-year-old wife and their baby daughter stayed at
home.
But the
throng of fans were not the only people on hand to give Jay-Z their well wishes
as he arrived at his newly remodelled club.
A host of
glamorous celebrities showed up to celebrate the reopening and congratulate
Jay-Z on the birth of his baby girl.
Singer
Ashanti arrived in a flowing metallic grey gown, which boasted cut out sides
and a long train.
New York
Yankee C. C. Sabathia, director Spike Lee, and business magnate Warren Buffett
were also in attendance at the bash.
Blue Ivy was
born at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York on January 7.
New York Yankee C. C. Sabathia was in
attendance at the bash
Although
this is the first sighting of Jay-Z since the birth, the couple had previously
released a statement about the new arrival.
Little
Blue's birth was 'emotional and peaceful,' they said.
'We are in
heaven.'
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