C.M.W..MaóThe heir to the Spanish throne, Prince Felipe of the Asturias, paid a brief visit to the island on Friday to speak during the closing act of the Chamber of Commerce´s centennial celebrations. An audience restricted to 500 waited in Maó´s Teatre Principal to hear the Prince praise the Menorcan businessmen´s drive and ability to adapt to new challenges, erupting into applause as the heir to the throne concluded his speech in Catalan.
During the act the Prince congratulated the representatives of 24 local companies which were awarded diplomas in recognition of the fact that they had been in business for more than 100 years. The previous three presidents of the Chamber were also presented with certificates in recognition of their time at the forefront of the association, 32 years between the three of them.
Numerous police were on duty all morning to ensure the Prince´s safety during his short visit, with back-up from Beni, a German Shepherd dog trained to detect explosives, and a police helicopter.
Crowds of people lined the streets around the Teatre Principal in anticipation of the Royal arrival at 1130 hrs., and on his departure for the airport at 1300 hrs., and many were rewarded by a handshake and a few words from the Prince.
