Prince Andrew in town

Britain’s Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, arrived yesterday afternoon at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on a chartered Lear jet for a three-day visit aimed at promoting defense and trade relations between the Philippines and Britain.

The royal visitor and his six-member entourage are in Manila as part of a tour of Asian countries including Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei.

He is the highest ranking foreign dignitary to visit the Philippines since President Arroyo took office, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Prince Andrew was accorded plane-side honors at the Villamor Air Base by officers of the Philippine Air Force led by commanding general Lt. Gen. Benjamin Defensor.

Also on hand to welcome Prince Andrew were Trade Secretary Manuel Roxas, British Ambassador Alan Collins and Ambassador George Reyes.

The highlight of the Duke’s visit is a courtesy call on President Arroyo at Malacañang tonight.

"His visit fits very well because not only it is highlighting the very good friendship between Britain and the Philippines but it’s also focusing on those two areas which are very relevant to the Duke’s career," the British embassy said.

While in the Philippines, Prince Andrew will visit a British school in Metro Manila and a natural gas project off Palawan.