Prince Harry arrives in Antigua for Caribbean tour

Prince Harry has been given a warm welcome as he arrived in Antigua for a 15-day tour highlighting the history and culture of the region.

All eyes were on the prince following the recent news that he is dating US actress Meghan Markle.

But he used his first stop of the tour to shift the focus to the Queen at an event marking her 69th wedding anniversary to the Duke of Edinburgh.

Harry congratulated his grandparents on their long marriage at a reception at the newly renovated and reopened Clarence House in Antigua, which was commissioned for the Duke of Clarence in the 18th century.

He also read out a personal message from the Queen recalling her "fond memories" from her own three royal tours of the region.

"I will never forget the warmth of your people and the incredible natural beauty of the islands," it said.

Harry presents a photograph of the Queen and Prince Philip to Sir Rodney Williams. Credit: PA

The region also holds personal memories for Harry as he was taken to Barbuda by their mother Diana, Princess of Wales, for childhood holidays.

Ascot Michael, the country's tourism minister, told him: "We are truly pleased to welcome you back to a place of childhood memories, your home in the Caribbean."

The prince will visit Barbuda later this week, but it is understood that his programme will not allow him time to visit the places where he stayed with his mother.

Harry's Caribbean tour will take him to six countries where the Queen is head of state - Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines - and the Commonwealth nation of Guyana.

Later today Harry will join three legends of West Indian cricket - Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Andy Roberts and Sir Curtly Ambrose - at a sporting event near Antigua's capital St John's.