News
TRH arrive in Ecuador's capital city Quito
15th March 2009
The Prince of Wales arrived in Ecuador today ahead of a tour of the world famous Galapagos Islands.
The Prince flew to the capital Quito with The Duchess of Cornwall for a brief meeting with senior government officials.
While in Quito, the outside of royal party's plane was disinfected by staff from Mariscal Sucre International Airport to prevent harmful organisms and germs being brought onto the Galapagos Islands, a highly protected ecosystem.
The wildlife on the 19 major and more than 100 smaller islands that make up the volcanic archipelago were studied by 19th Century British scientist Charles Darwin and helped him develop his revolutionary Theory on The Evolution of Life.
The islands lie just over 600 miles from the Ecuadorian mainland and have been described as a "living museum and showcase of evolution".
The extreme isolation and harsh rocky landscape led to the development of a collection of animals, plants and insects found nowhere else on the planet.
Some of the well known species include the land iguana, giant tortoise, flightless cormorants, birds called blue and red-footed boobies, and Darwin's finches.
The islands straddle the equator and their climate is affected by three major ocean currents bringing cold, warm and nutrient-rich waters that also support diverse marine life.
A colourful honour guard was waiting to greet The Prince and The Duchess when they arrived in the centre of Quito which at 2,800m above sea level is the world's second-highest capital after Bolivia's La Paz.
Soldiers in a ceremonial uniform of bright blue jackets carrying large pikes lined a vivid red carpet which led to the entrance of the presidential Carondelet Palace in the heart of the city's historic old quarter.
The Prince held discussions with Ecuador's Vice President Lenin Moreno which lasted around 30 minutes.
Around 1,000 people lined the Plaza Grande the main square of Quito - one of the first capital cities to be designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
As The Prince and The Duchess came out of the presidential palace into the square a crowd began cheering and waving British flags.
Their Royal Highnesses greeted many of the well-wishers, shaking hands and chatting, as they made their way to a stunning 17th Century church called the Compania of Jesus.
The Prince and The Duchess were taken on a tour of the historic building by the Mayor of Quito Andres Vallejo.
He pointed out areas of interest on the gold walls and columns of the church which has undergone a multi-million pound restoration.
Construction started in 1605 and the building was completed 45 years later.
The Prince and The Duchess stopped in front of the ornately decorated altar which was covered in gold leaf and had an image as Christ as a child at its centre.
Before leaving the building The Prince was presented with a Panama hat, associated with Panama, but originally from Ecuador, while The Duchess was given organic roses from the Andes.
They then left Quito for the Galapagos Islands for a two day tour of the archipelago.